Tolls on Blackwall Tunnel and New Silvertown Tunnel Begin

Starting today, drivers in East London face a major change to their daily commutes. Tolls have now officially been introduced on both the Blackwall Tunnel and the brand-new Silvertown Tunnel, marking a significant shift in how vehicles access some of the capital’s busiest Thames crossings.

Whether you’re a London local, commuter, or planning a road trip through the capital, here’s everything you need to know about the new toll system, how much it will cost, and how to avoid surprise charges.

🛣 What’s Changing Today?

From today, Monday [insert date], both the Blackwall Tunnel (southbound) and the Silvertown Tunnel (northbound) will become toll roads, meaning drivers will now need to pay to pass through either of these key East London crossings.

The tolls are part of Transport for London’s (TfL) long-term strategy to reduce congestion, encourage public transport use, and help pay for the new infrastructure.

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

For private cars, the toll will be a maximum of £4 per journey, depending on the time of day and vehicle type. Here’s a basic breakdown:

Cars & motorcycles: up to £4 each way
Vans: £5–£7.50 depending on size
HGVs & lorries: from £7.50 upwards
Electric vehicles: discounted rates may apply
TfL registered Blue Badge holders: may be exempt (application required)

Charges will apply 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays. However, discounted off-peak rates are expected to be introduced in the future.

🧾 How Do I Pay?

The system works similarly to the Dartford Crossing toll. There are no physical toll booths. Instead, the system uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

You must pay by:

Setting up a TfL online account
Using the official TfL Pay to Drive in London app
Making a one-off payment online or by phone within three days of travel

Failure to pay will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which can be up to £130.

🚗 Which Tunnel Should I Use?

With tolls now in effect on both crossings, your choice depends on your destination and travel time. The Silvertown Tunnel, which connects Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula, has been designed to ease pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel, which has long suffered from severe congestion.

If you’re heading east from the Docklands or Canary Wharf, the Silvertown Tunnel could save you time—but it will cost you the same toll.

🧭 Travel Tips for Drivers

Register for Auto Pay – Avoid forgetting to pay and risking fines.
Consider public transport – The Jubilee Line and DLR offer fast river crossings without the toll.
Use route planning apps – Apps like Google Maps and Waze will now factor tolls into their journey times.
Plan alternative crossings – The Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge remain toll-free, though they are often congested.

Priced out of London

Final Thoughts

With the tolls now in place, it's clear that London’s road network is entering a new era of paid river crossings. Whether you're heading to work, planning a road trip, or driving across the capital, being prepared is key.

Keep your payments up to date, plan your route smartly, and stay informed about possible discounts or exemptions. The toll may be small, but forgetting it could cost you big.

Keywords used: Blackwall Tunnel toll 2025, Silvertown Tunnel charges, London toll roads April 2025, TfL toll payment, how to pay Silvertown Tunnel toll, Blackwall Tunnel cost, London river crossings toll, driving in East London 2025.