London motorists could face a £4 charge every time they use the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels starting in 2025, according to road sign drafts approved by Transport Secretary Mark Harper. These drafts were submitted by Transport for London (TfL) to inform drivers of the impending tolls.
While the Blackwall tunnel is currently toll-free, the introduction of tolls is set to coincide with the opening of the Silvertown tunnel in 2025. According to the sign drafts, the tolls will be in effect from 6 am to 10 pm and will impact all drivers, regardless of the direction of travel.
This potential toll comes on the heels of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which requires non-compliant vehicle owners to pay £12.50 per day to drive within Greater London.
The proposed charges outlined in the sign drafts suggest a £4 fee for car drivers and £8.50 for owners of larger vehicles. These fees apply to both directions of travel and can be paid online.
Additionally, the drafts include various road signs, including notification signs and directional signs leading drivers to the appropriate exit before the toll zone. It’s important to note that these signs are not finalized, and the actual charges may undergo further changes, as indicated in official documents.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper’s approval of these drafts includes provisions that allow for adjustments to the charge amounts, vehicle classifications, and the charging period.
TfL has emphasized that no final decisions have been made, and the figures on the signs are merely “placeholders.” The ultimate aim of these proposed tolls is to alleviate congestion in the Blackwall tunnel and reduce emissions.
As London continues to implement various charges for drivers, including the congestion charge and ULEZ, the cost of driving in the city has raised concerns among residents. Some drivers have gone to extreme and illegal lengths to avoid these charges, with approximately 500 recorded attacks on ULEZ cameras by the Metropolitan Police from April to August this year.
The controversial Silvertown Tunnel, set to be completed in 2025, has faced opposition from campaign groups and environmental activists who question its effectiveness in reducing emissions.
For the latest updates and official decisions regarding these potential tolls, TfL has been contacted for comment. Stay tuned as London navigates its evolving landscape of road charges.
