Tunnel Tolls Rise on Blackwall and Silvertown Crossings
Transport for London increases charges by 5% for cars and heavy goods vehicles from September 2026.
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The cost of driving through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will increase from Monday 21 September 2026, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. Peak charges for cars and small vans will rise by 5%, from £4 to £4.20 during specified weekday hours. Off-peak charges for these vehicles will go up by 5p to £1.55.
Changes for Larger Vehicles
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Heavy goods vehicles will also see a 5% increase in charges. These vehicles will pay £5.25 off-peak and £10.50 at peak times. Charges apply seven days a week for journeys between 06:00 and 22:00. Large vans will now pay £6.80 during peak hours and £2.60 off-peak, representing a 10p increase for both.
TfL Justification for Tolls
Transport for London stated that the Silvertown Tunnel, which opened in April 2025, has helped to reduce journey times and ease congestion. Christina Calderato, director of strategy at TfL, explained that the charges are designed to manage traffic demand. She added that without the user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, negatively impacting air quality and journey times. Ms Calderato indicated that a small increase to account for inflation would ensure the charge remains effective in managing demand and achieving project objectives.
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TfL previously reported that pollution and journey times had fallen significantly around the Blackwall Tunnel following the Silvertown Tunnel's opening, compared to the year prior. However, a TfL report also showed that journey times through the Rotherhithe Tunnel had risen by 3% on weekdays.
Criticism of Traffic Diversion
Critics have argued that the new tunnel has not solved congestion but has instead diverted traffic to other crossings. The Woolwich Ferry, which remains free to use, has been cited as an example of a crossing experiencing increased traffic. Before the Silvertown Tunnel's construction, the Blackwall Tunnel had been toll-free since it was built in 1897.
Under the Private Finance Initiative used to fund the Silvertown Tunnel's construction, TfL had anticipated repaying approximately £100 million annually through toll revenue. The repayment for the last financial year was reported to be around £67 million.
What Happens Next
The increased charges will come into effect on Monday 21 September 2026. TfL will continue to monitor traffic flow and journey times through the tunnel network.
Questions this report answers
+How much will the tolls go up by?
Peak charges for cars and small vans will rise by 5%, from £4 to £4.20. Heavy goods vehicles will pay £10.50 at peak times, an increase of 50p, while large vans will see a 10p rise to £6.80 during peak hours.
+When do the new toll charges start?
The new toll charges will take effect on Monday 21 September 2026. This date applies to all vehicle types, including cars, heavy goods vehicles, and large vans, across both Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
+Why are the tolls increasing?
TfL states the increases are to manage traffic demand and maintain the effectiveness of the charge. Without the rise, more traffic and congestion could worsen air quality and journey times, undermining the benefits of the Silvertown Tunnel.
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