Update: TfL criticised for ignoring concerns on tunnel pricing

Bexley Council has condemned TfL for ignoring its concerns about tunnel charges.

The council had requested a thorough assessment of the economic impact before the charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels were finalised, says This Is Local London.

However, TfL approved the charges at its December board meeting with minimal changes to the original proposals.

The council argues that the charges, which offer discounts only to low-income individuals, will “strain household finances and burden Bexley’s small businesses”, which heavily rely on cars and vans. The £1 discount for local businesses does not extend to Bexley.

Councillor Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “This is another kick in the teeth for our residents and small businesses.

“We need a more comprehensive package of concessions and for the area of coverage for resident discounts to be extended to Bexley given the lack of modern public transport links serving the borough.

“We have long been campaigning for better transport links and for a broader commitment on public transport investment but this has once again been ignored.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “The new modern tunnel linking Silvertown in east London to the Greenwich Peninsula, supported by the new user charges, will open on 7 April 2025 and reduce journey times and help manage air pollution. This will make journeys faster and more reliable, with journeys expected to be up to 20 minutes quicker at peak times. It will also support economic growth and allow TfL to increase the number of buses able to cross the river in this area from six to 21 buses an hour in each direction during the busiest times – all of which will be zero emission at the tailpipe.

“Due to the proximity of the tunnels to each other, without the introduction of a user charge at both tunnels, there would likely be high levels of traffic and congestion which would lead to detrimental air quality impacts, as well as longer journey times. To help residents and businesses, a wide range of concessions and discounts will be available, including a 50 per cent discount which would be available for low-income residents in surrounding areas, including Bexley. The Rotherhithe tunnel and Woolwich ferry will also still allow drivers to cross the river in east London without paying a user charge and buses using both crossings will be free for at least the first year.”

From April 7, 2025, TfL will impose charges on drivers using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.

Cars, motorbikes, and small vans will face an off-peak charge of £1.50, rising to £4 during peak hours, when paying by Auto Pay.

Large vans will be charged £2.50 during off-peak times and £6.50 in peak times, while HGVs will be charged £5 in off-peak times and £10 in peak hours when paying by Auto Pay.

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