Big changes are coming for East London drivers. For years, the Blackwall Tunnel has been a vital, toll-free Thames crossing—but that’s all about to change.

From Monday, April 7, 2025, both the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel will start charging tolls, as confirmed by Transport for London (TfL). Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, how much you’ll need to pay, and who qualifies for discounts or exemptions.

When Do the Charges Begin?

The tolls for both tunnels will come into effect on the same day the Silvertown Tunnel opens: Monday, April 7, 2025.

How Much Will the Tolls Be?

Toll prices vary based on vehicle type and time of travel

Cars & Small Vans

Peak Hours (Weekdays only):

Northbound: 6am–10am

Southbound: 4pm–7pm

Charge: £4 each way

Off-Peak Hours: £1.50 each way

Overnight (10pm–6am): Free

Motorbikes

Peak: £2.50

Off-peak: £1.50

Large Vans

Peak: £6.50

Off-peak: £2.50

HGVs

Peak: £10

Off-peak: £5

Roundtrip during peak hours? A car or small van will cost £8, while HGVs could pay up to £20.

How to Pay

TfL recommends registering with TfL AutoPay, which automatically charges the lowest applicable fare and allows up to five vehicles per account. Other ways to pay include:

Online at TfL’s payment portal

The TfL Pay app

By phone: 0343 222 2222 (UK), or +44 343 222 2222 (International)

Exemptions, Concessions & Discounts

TfL has confirmed several groups who won’t need to pay or who will get discounts:

Fully Exempt

All buses, coaches and vehicles with 9+ seats

Taxis

Blue Badge holders

Wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles

Discounted or Reimbursed

NHS staff and patients

Low-income drivers in 12 London boroughs + City of London: 50% discount

Small businesses in Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Greenwich: £1 off-peak discount for at least 12 months

Public Transport Perks

Three cross-river bus routes (108, 129, and SL4) will remain free for at least one year

DLR trips across the river (e.g., Woolwich Arsenal ↔ King George V) will also be free

A free ‘bike bus’ will transport cyclists through the Silvertown Tunnel

What If You Don’t Pay?

Drivers who fail to pay the toll on time will face a £180 penalty, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Can You Avoid the Toll?

Travel overnight between 10pm and 6am – toll-free

Use alternative crossings, like Tower Bridge or Rotherhithe Tunnel (note: Rotherhithe has strict vehicle size restrictions)

Sustainability Impact

The tunnel tolls are a key part of London’s sustainability efforts. Charging for peak-time tunnel use encourages drivers to reconsider private car journeys and shift towards public transport, walking, or cycling—especially in congested areas like East and Southeast London.

Reducing vehicle traffic helps lower carbon emissions, improves air quality, and reduces noise pollution, directly benefiting communities in boroughs such as Newham, Greenwich, and Tower Hamlets. The project also includes investments in low-carbon transport options—such as free buses and bike-friendly infrastructure—which support the Mayor’s net-zero goals and the London Climate Action Plan.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, learn more about The Wesley’s green initiatives and how we’re contributing to a cleaner, greener London.