The Silvertown Tunnel opened on 7 April 2025, and TfL introduced user charging across both the new Silvertown Tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel at the same time. For drivers who only cross east London occasionally, the easy mistake is assuming the charge applies only to the new tunnel.
- Started
- 7 April 2025
- Where
- Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel
- Charging hours
- 06:00 to 22:00, seven days a week
- Direction
- Both directions
- Car and small van charge
- £1.50 off-peak with Auto Pay, otherwise £4 at charging times
- Payment deadline
- Midnight on the third day after the journey
The charge applies to the crossing, not the route name
TfL treats the two tunnels as one managed river-crossing corridor. A driver using Blackwall still needs to think about the tunnel charge, even if they never enter Silvertown. A return trip can also create two chargeable crossings.
Auto Pay changes the practical cost
TfL's lower off-peak rate is only available when the vehicle is registered for Auto Pay. For cars and small vans, the official published charge is £1.50 off-peak with Auto Pay, £4 at peak times with Auto Pay, and £4 when paying online or by phone at any charging time.
- Peak charging for Auto Pay users applies northbound from 06:00 to 10:00 and southbound from 16:00 to 19:00 on weekdays.
- Off-peak charging covers the rest of the 06:00 to 22:00 charging window, including weekends, but only for Auto Pay users.
- There is no charge overnight from 22:00 to 06:00, although the tunnels may still close for planned maintenance.
- Charges are per crossing, so a same-day outward and return trip can need two payments or two Auto Pay charges.
There are no barriers or toll booths
Cameras read number plates as vehicles enter the tunnels. If the vehicle is not handled by Auto Pay or an exemption, the driver needs to pay in advance or by midnight on the third day after the journey. Missing that window can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice.
Discounts and exemptions are worth checking early
TfL lists exemptions and discounts for groups such as emergency service vehicles, TfL-licensed taxis, some buses and coaches, Blue Badge holders who apply for the tunnel discount, eligible east London residents on certain benefits, and qualifying small businesses, sole traders, and charities in Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets. Do not assume a discount applies automatically unless TfL says it does for your account and vehicle.