Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Toll and Charges

The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are critical components of London's transport network, connecting east and southeast London beneath the River Thames.

With tens of thousands of drivers relying on these crossings daily, it is vital to understand how the toll system works, how peak pricing impacts your journey and what happens if you forget to pay.

What Are the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels?

The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels span the River Thames in East London, serving as key arterial links. They consist of:

• Blackwall Tunnel: Comprising a historic northbound bore (opened in 1897 with a strict 4m height restriction) and a newer southbound bore (opened in 1967).
• Silvertown Tunnel: London's newest twin-bore tunnel, which opened in April 2025, runs between Silvertown (Newham) and the Greenwich Peninsula to relieve chronic congestion at the neighbouring Blackwall Tunnel.

How to Pay the Tunnel Charge

The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charge is a remote, barrier-free charging system with no physical payment booths. Cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to record your vehicle registration. You must pay by midnight on the third day after your journey, or you could face a penalty.

Payment Methods:

• TfL Auto Pay: The easiest way to pay. It automatically bills your registered payment card or Direct Debit. Crucially, registering for Auto Pay is the only way to access the discounted off-peak rates.
• Online: Pay via the official Transport for London (TfL) website.
• TfL App: Download the official app to pay quickly on your phone.
• Phone: You can pay by calling the TfL customer service line.

You need to pay the charge if you use either tunnel between 06:00 and 22:00 every day, including at weekends and on bank holidays. The only exception is Christmas Day (25 December), when the crossing is free.

When paying, you will need to know your vehicle registration number. If you are paying or contesting a fine, you will need the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) reference number.

Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Fees

The fees vary depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and whether you cross during peak windows. If you do not have a TfL Auto Pay account, you will always be charged the higher peak rate regardless of what time of day you travel.

Please note: the prices in this table are accurate as of 2026. Check local signage and TfL's website for the latest fees.

Local Discounts and Concessions

• East London Low-Income Residents: A 50% discount on tunnel charges is available for residents living in eligible surrounding boroughs who receive certain low-income benefits.
• Tunnels Business Discount: A £1 discount on the standard off-peak charge is available for at least one year for eligible small businesses, sole traders and charities registered in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Greenwich.

Tunnel Charge Exemptions

You are exempt from paying the crossing fees under the following conditions:

• Your vehicle is registered under the DVLA 'Disabled' tax class (detected automatically).
• You are a Blue Badge holder (requires pre-registration with TfL and a nominal processing fee).
• You are driving an emergency service vehicle, a TfL-licensed taxi, or a DVLA-registered bus, coach or minibus.
• You are driving a zero-emission-capable or wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicle (PHV) licensed by TfL and actively carrying out a booking.

What Happens if You Don't Pay the Tunnel Charge?

Failing to pay the tunnel charge by midnight on the third day after your crossing results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180. This is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

If ignored, the fine increases significantly, and you will still be liable for the original crossing fee.

Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Tips

• Register for Auto Pay: This is highly recommended if you cross even occasionally. Not only does it protect you from accidental fines, but it is also the only way to secure the lower £1.50 off-peak rate for cars.
• Travel Overnight: The tunnels are completely free to use overnight between 22:00 and 06:00. Adjusting your travel times can eliminate motoring costs.
• Avoid Peak Hours: Peak hours run Monday to Friday, 06:00–10:00 northbound, and 16:00–19:00 southbound. If using Auto Pay, travelling outside these windows cuts your car tunnel charge from £4.00 to £1.50.
• Consider Free Alternatives: If you wish to avoid the charges altogether, look into the Rotherhithe Tunnel (free, but subject to strict weight and width limits), the Woolwich Ferry, or public transport options like the Jubilee Line, DLR, or the dedicated free cycle shuttle bus.

A Brief History of the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels

The story of these crossings reflects London's continuous battle with growing cross-river traffic:

• 1897: The original Blackwall Tunnel (now the northbound bore) opened to traffic. Designed originally for horse-drawn vehicles, it features tight, iconic bends.
• 1967: To handle the post-war boom in motor vehicles, a second, modern southbound bore was opened.
• 2010s: Chronic congestion and regular closures of the Victorian northbound bore prompted TfL to propose a modern relief tunnel nearby.
• 2020: Major construction officially commenced on the Silvertown Tunnel project under a private finance initiative.
• 2025: The Silvertown Tunnel officially opened to traffic on 7 April 2025. Coinciding with its launch, user charging was introduced for both the new tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel to manage traffic levels and repay construction costs.