► The Blackwall tunnel is no longer free
► The Blackwall and Silvertown charge explained
► What you need to know
The Blackwall tunnel is no longer free. From 7 April 2025, Transport for London has introduced new charges for the Blackwall tunnel and the newly-opened Silvertown tunnel. TFL says the new setup should improve air quality and ease congestions, but could also affect motorists commuting from South London more than others.
What’s happening?
The new charges come as part of a raft of changes made by TfL to better manage traffic around the the Thames crossing. The most significant is the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel, which will also be able support bus services for easier, quicker cross-river traffic.
How it hits South London harder
The charges can be seen in the table below, but eagle-eyed viewers will notice when the peak times are and the directions they apply to. Significantly, peak times apply only to those travelling northbound in the morning before the working day, and southbound after the working day. That could mean a daily charge of £8 for vehicles south of the river who need to commute to the north, compared with a total charge of £3 for those doing the opposite journey.
| Vehicle type | Auto Pay off-peak charges Applies at all other times between 06:00-22:00, including weekends | Auto Pay peak charges Monday to Friday only northbound 06:00-10:00 southbound 16:00-19:00 | Charges paid by phone or online At all charging times |
| Motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles | £1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Cars and small vans | £1.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Large vans | £2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
| Heavy goods vehicles | £5.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
What’s more, these charges apply in addition to the congestion charge (for which EVs are exempt), meaning a trip into London could cost at least £23 for some ICE cars – and that’s assuming you’re in a ULEZ-compliant car.
What can you do and how do you pay?
To pay for the new charge, you’ll need to visit the TfL website – though as you’d expect the TfL website is unable to handle the surge of new traffic, so it’s not working at the time of writing. Ironic, but somewhat predictable.
TfL will charge you peak prices at all charging times for paying on your phone or online – but you get off-peak prices if you sign up to its Auto Pay service. The TfL says if you drive through either tunnel during charging times, you will have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay. Generous.
The TfL is at least allowing discounts to selected residents and providing they meet certain conditions, they could be eligible for a 50 per cent discount. These discounts should apply for at least three years after the tunnel’s opening. You can find a list of which residents could be entitled here.
Anything else?
For South Londoners, the M25 or the Rotherhithe or Limehouse Link tunnel may now be the cheapest, fastest ways to head north. The latter two tunnels are free, and the Dartford Crossing remains free for motorcycle and is just £2.50 for cars – but it’s even cheaper if you pre-pay.
| Vehicle class | One-off payment | Pay as you go | Pre-pay |
| Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes | A | Free | Free | Free | |
| Cars (including trailers), motorhomes and any minibuses that have 9 or less seats (including the driver’s seat) | B | £2.50 | £2.50 | £2.00 | |
What do you think of the new charges? Sound off in the comments!