MILLIONS of drivers using the Blackwall Tunnel could be forced to pay “up to £40” each day, according to a London MP.
From April 7, 2025, motorists using the route between east London and the Greenwich Peninsula will have to pay at least £1.50 to cross.
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This lower charge will be active for those who use Transport for London’s Auto Pay during off-peak hours, while peak hours will cost £4 for cars and small vans, £6.50 for large vans, £2.50 for motorcycles and £10 for HGVs.
The charges will run seven days a week from 6am to 10pm, and those who fail to pay the correct fee face a £180 fine.
TfL advises motorists to sign up to the Auto Pay system to save money, as those who don’t will have to fork out the off-peak charge at all times.
But Conservative MP Louie French has claimed some motorists could end up paying up to £35 or £40 per day.
He said that vehicles that are not compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements could end up paying the £12.50 ULEZ charge along with the tunnel toll and the £15 Congestion Charge if they drive through central London.
The MP, who represents Old Bexley and Sidcup, has now launched a petition in response—calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to scrap the toll from the Blackwall Tunnel.
Writing on the campaign site, he said: “The Blackwall Toll is the latest anti-motorist policy being launched by Sadiq Khan and will be in addition to the £12.50 ULEZ daily charge millions of drivers in Greater London and surrounding counties are now facing.
“For example, these plans could see large van drivers from South East London paying over £40 per day to work in Central London from 2025 before they have even bought fuel or paid for parking.”
TfL says that the new charge for the tunnel is designed to “effectively manage traffic” and help cover the construction costs of the nearby Silvertown Tunnel.
But French claimed it was “only a matter of time” before TfL looked to introduce a toll for the Rotherhithe Crossing, which is currently not being proposed.
The new Silvertown Tunnel is set to open on April 7, 2025, and could reduce journey times by up to 20 minutes at peak times.
But the groundbreaking new route has not escaped controversy with some voicing their fears that more drivers will be drawn to the area, impacting air quality.
Despite this, TfL confirmed the plans which have been overseen by Riverlinx Limited, and the grand opening is expected in just a few months’ time.
The transport network explained how new bus routes serving the tunnel will be free for “at least the first year”.
This includes routes serving Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlets.
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