Paying the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge
Once Silvertown tunnel opens, you will need to pay each time you drive through either Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnel, unless your vehicle is exempt from paying the charge.
Charges will apply from 06.00 - 22.00, 7 days a week in both directions.
Why there's a charge
The tunnels charge exists to help manage traffic levels across both tunnels, repay costs for building the new Silvertown Tunnel and go towards maintenance and operation of both tunnels.
For customers registered for Auto Pay, off-peak rates will apply most of the time, including weekends. A peak charge will apply during the busiest times, which are 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound, weekdays only.
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
|
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.
When to pay
Both tunnels will be open 24 hours a day, except during planned maintenance. If you drive through either tunnel during charging times, you will have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay.
If you don't pay on time, you risk getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
How to pay
The easiest way to pay is by signing up for Auto Pay. This will let you access lower off-peak charges. You can set up a direct debit mandate or register a debit or credit card to your Auto Pay. The system will check whether you need to pay the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnels charge and will automatically bill your registered payment method each month.
There are no registration or renewal fees. By signing up to Auto Pay, you ensure you pay the lowest charge available for your vehicle type and the time of day that you drive through the tunnels.
Benefits of Auto Pay
- Never forget to pay charges again
- Pay the lower off-peak charge for your vehicle.
- Protection from receiving Penalty Charge Notices while a vehicle is registered
- Registration for up to five vehicles
Find out more and sign up for Auto Pay to help avoid unnecessary fines.
If you already have Auto Pay, you don't need to do anything if the vehicle you drive through the tunnels is on your account. You can add or remove vehicles through 'Manage Auto Pay' when logged in to your London Road User Charging account.
Other payment methods
If you use the following payment methods, you will be charged the peak rate at all times.
Download the official TfL Pay to drive in London app for free from both the Apple App store and Google play store.
Pay by phone
UK: 0343 222 2222 (call charges may apply)
International: +44 343 222 2222
Textphone: 020 7649 9123 (if you have impaired hearing)
Patients travelling to NHS hospital appointments may be able to get a refund for tunnel charges. Find out more about NHS reimbursements.
How will it work?
Cameras will read your number plate as you enter the tunnel and will check whether you have paid the charge or whether your vehicle is exempt from paying the charge.
There will be no barriers or tollbooths at either tunnel - nor can you pay at the tunnels. Drivers will need to pay either in advance or after using either tunnel.
Discounts and concessions supporting local residents and businesses
To support residents and businesses and encourage people to use the new public transport connections, there will be a package of discounts and concessions. These include:
- A 50% discount on tunnel charges for drivers living in 12 East London Boroughs or the City of London, and on certain benefits
- Small businesses, sole traders, and charities registered in Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets can apply for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge, for a maximum of 3 vehicles
- Free cross-river bus and refunded DLR travel to support local residents for certain journeys
- A free shuttle service through the Silvertown tunnel for cyclists
Apply for a discount or see the eligibility criteria.
Tunnels charge exemptions
There will be no charge at any time for emergency service vehicles, TfL licensed taxis, and DVLA-registered minibuses, buses, and coaches. Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles licensed by TfL will also be exempt from charges when carrying out a booking.
Blue Badge holders can apply for an 100% discount from the tunnels charge. Other vehicles may also be exempt.
Buses, coaches and minibuses registered outside of the UK that register with us do not need to pay crossing charges.
Carriage of Dangerous goods
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are both Category E tunnels under ADR (Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road). This means that the carriage of dangerous goods through either tunnel is prohibited. Call 0343 222 1234 (call charges may apply) if you wish to discuss the carriage of dangerous goods.
