Transport for London has said that the Silvertown Tunnel, which opened a year ago, hasd reduced “chronic congestion” and improved journey times.

New data suggested that drivers who used the neighbouring Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel saw journey times reduced by more than 10% during weekday peak periods, TfL told the BBC.

Before the new £2.2bn link opened, the Blackwall Tunnel saw 700 closures a year, often caused by stuck HGVs, TfL said.

Sheila Keeble, a member of the Greenwich Society who opposed the project before it opened, said the new tunnel had “displaced” congestion to other routes.

The Silvertown Tunnel stretches almost a mile (1.4km) under the River Thames from Greenwich to Newham, next to the Blackwall Tunnel.

First announced in 2012, mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan reviewed the scheme when he came into office, and said it would be a vital link across the river to east London. Both tunnels are subject to tolls and cost £4 for a car in peak times. Not everyone has to pay, and there are some exemptions and fee reductions.

The tunnel was paid for with private borrowing which will be paid back via the tolls over an estimated 25 years.

David Rowe, director of investment planning at TfL, said:

“Before the Silvertown Tunnel opened, east London residents and businesses faced chronic congestion in the area.”

Keeble said the tunnel fees had pushed traffic towards toll-free crossings including the Woolwich Ferry, Tower Bridge, and the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

“People don’t like tolls and sat navs will just direct them to the free crossings,” she said.

(Picture: TfL)