Important Update from TfL regarding the Silvertown Tunnel
Low-income residents, local businesses and charities can now pre-register for Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel user charges
Charges
To help manage traffic levels across the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, repay costs for building the new Silvertown Tunnel, and cover ongoing maintenance and operation costs at both tunnels, a user charge will operate 06:00 and 22:00, seven days a week, will be introduced on 7 April 2025. TfL encourage people to apply early and not leave it until the last minute to ensure they are ready when the tunnel opens.
Pre-register now
TfL are encouraging low-income residents, local businesses, and charities to pre-register for Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel user charge discounts so they are ready when the tunnel opens.
Registration is easy, TfL encourage everyone eligible to sign up and benefit from reduced charges. Drivers and fleet operators are also encouraged to sign up to TfL Auto Pay, to ensure that their registered vehicles benefit from off-peak charges.
Discounts
Low-income residents in 12 east London boroughs, plus the City of London, and on certain benefits, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on tunnel crossing charges. To check eligibility and apply for the discount, they can now pre-register at https://tfl.gov.uk/tunnel-discounts.
Full details on all discounts, charges and exemptions can be found on the TfL website. It sets out the full range of eligible low-income benefits, as well as the documents required to complete the registration.
Small businesses, sole traders and charities registered and operating from Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets are eligible for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge on a maximum of three vehicles for at least 12 months from 7 April. They can also pre-register now. Please note: these discounts are different from the off-peak discount available to all drivers via Auto Pay and must be applied for separately to benefit.
The discounts are just one of the ways TfL are supporting the local community and those on certain benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit to still use the tunnel affordably.
Other driving discounts and exemptions
There will also be a 100% discount for Blue Badge holders, vehicles with 9+ seats and recovery and breakdown vehicles registered with TfL.
Emergency service vehicles, NHS vehicles and disabled taxation class vehicles are also exempt from the tunnels charge.
Taxis licensed by TfL will be exempt from charges. Zero-emission capable and wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles licensed by TfL will not be charged when carrying out a booking.
For more information on all discounts, exemptions and concessions visit https://tfl.gov.uk/silvertown-blackwall.
Auto Pay
TfL are also encouraging all drivers to pre-register for Auto Pay now, to ensure they benefit from off-peak charges from 7 April. Registering for Auto Pay is free, and there are no renewal fees. Customers who already have an Auto Pay service will automatically pay the tunnel charges from 7 April but are encouraged to check all vehicles they plan to use to drive through the tunnels are registered on their account.
To register for Auto Pay, please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/auto-pay.
What to pay
All charges are listed below. These charges will apply 06:00-22:00 and are per tunnel crossing. No charges will apply 22:00-06:00 and on Christmas Day. More information on charges.
| 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 |
Charges are based on the DVLA classifications of your vehicle type.