Do you pay to use the Blackwall Tunnel and Rotherhithe Tunnel?

With the ULEZ charge expanding across all of Greater London, many motorists who drive in the capital are asking if the two-bore Blackwall Tunnel – which runs beneath the Thames to connect East London with the South East of the capital – will also face a charge in near future.

The same is also being asked about drivers using the Rotherhithe Tunnel between Rotherhithe and Limehouse. Here is what we know so far.

Will I have to pay to use the Blackwall Tunnel?  (Credit: Mutney, via Wikimedia Commons via Creative Commons)

Are there plans to charge for using the Blackwall Tunnel?

Yes, there is a plan to introduce a toll for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels from 2025. The toll will be introduced when the Silvertown tunnel opens. The Silvertown Tunnel is a new tunnel being constructed under the Thames linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in East London.

How much will the toll be?

The toll is expected to be £4 for cars, £3 for motorcycles, and £8.50 for other vehicles. However, it is important to note that the final for charges have not yet been finalised.

When will the toll be active?

The toll will be active from 6am until 10pm, according to reports. This will be in line with other crossings, such as the Dartford Crossing and upcoming Silvertown Tunnel.

Additionally, the ULEZ charge will apply as normal for drivers using the Blackwall Tunnel.

Any plans to charge tolls on Tower Bridge and the Rotherhithe Tunnel?

With charges planned for the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel, along with current charges in place at the Dartford Crossing, motorists in London are concerned that Tower Bridge and the Rotherhithe Tunnel will also be tolled – as they are the only other fixed crossings in the East London and South East London area.

However a TfL spokesperson said that aside from the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel, “there are no proposals to introduce any user charges to river crossings in east London (with the exception being the proposed Lower Thames Crossing which is a National Highways scheme)”.

There are concerns though that as the only free crossing points, the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge will be subjected to additional congestion.

Why is a toll being introduced?

The toll is being introduced to help pay for the Silvertown tunnel, which is costing £2 billion to build. The toll is also expected to help reduce congestion on the Blackwall Tunnel.

However, there are claims that the Silvertown will not achieve its goal of reducing traffic. Objections include:

• The tunnel will create new traffic. The Silvertown Tunnel will provide a new route for drivers to cross the River Thames, which could lead to more people driving in the area.
• The tunnel will be too expensive. The toll for the Silvertown Tunnel is expected to be £4 for cars, which is more than the tolls for other tunnels in London. This could deter some people from using the tunnel, which could lead to more traffic on other roads.
• The tunnel will not be effective at reducing congestion. Critics argue that the Silvertown Tunnel will simply shift traffic from one area to another, and that it will not do anything to reduce the overall number of vehicles on the road.
• The tunnel will have a negative impact on the environment. The Silvertown Tunnel will increase air pollution in the area, and it will also contribute to climate change.

Is there any opposition to the toll?

Yes. Some people believe that it is unfair to charge drivers to use a public road. Others believe that the toll will not be effective at reducing congestion. Additionally, some environmental groups have criticised the toll, arguing that it will encourage more people to drive, which will increase air pollution.

What are the other charges for drivers in London?

The other charges for drivers in London include the congestion charge and the ULEZ charge. The congestion charge is £15 per day to drive in central London. The ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day for vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards.

How have drivers reacted to the new charges?

Some drivers have reacted angrily to the new charges. There have been a number of attacks on Ulez cameras. However, many drivers have also accepted the need for the charges in order to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

What has Transport for London said about the new charges?

Transport for London has said that the new charges are necessary to improve transport in London. They have also said that the charges will be fair and that there will be concessions for certain groups of people, such as residents of the Silvertown Tunnel area.

Is there any evidence that tolls can reduce congestion?

Yes, there is some evidence that tolls can reduce congestion. For example, a study by the University of California, Berkeley found that the introduction of a toll on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco reduced traffic by 15%.

What are the potential benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel toll?

The potential benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel toll include:

• Reduced congestion for the Blackwall Tunnel and other roads in the area
• Improved air quality
• Funding for the construction and maintenance of the Silvertown Tunnel
• Reduced emissions from vehicles

What are the potential drawbacks of the Silvertown Tunnel toll?

The potential drawbacks of the Silvertown Tunnel toll include:

• Increased costs for drivers
• Reduced access to jobs and other opportunities for people who live in the area due to charges
• Increased traffic on other roads such as those around the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
• Unfair impact on low-income drivers

What are the alternatives to the Silvertown Tunnel toll?

The alternatives to the Silvertown Tunnel toll include:

• Public investment in public transport
• Congestion pricing in other parts of London
• Vehicle restrictions in certain areas
• Road pricing for all vehicles

Conclusion

The introduction of a toll for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels is a controversial topic. There are both potential benefits and drawbacks to the toll. It is important to weigh all of the factors carefully before making a decision about whether or not to introduce the toll.

In addition to the information above, here are some other things to consider:

• The Silvertown Tunnel is expected to open in 2025. This means that there is still time to consider alternatives to the toll.
• Transport for London has said that they are open to feedback on the toll. This means that drivers and other stakeholders have an opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.
• It is important to note that the toll is not yet finalised. The final charges and other details of the toll will be announced closer to the opening date of the Silvertown Tunnel.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to introduce a toll for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels is a complex one. There are a number of factors to consider, including the potential benefits and drawbacks of the toll, the alternatives to the toll, and the feedback from drivers and other stakeholders.

Political factors may also play a part with the London Mayoral election taking place in 2024, many people see the current Mayor Sadiq Khan as anti-car, while Conservatives has come out as more sympathetic to motorists – so the result could see tolls blocked or reduced.

 

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