July 11th 2024.
The Blackwall Tunnel, a well-known route for car drivers in London, is currently free to use. However, this is set to change when the new Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025. From next year, drivers passing through both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels during peak hours will be charged £4 each time. This proposal, put forth by Transport for London (TfL), aims to manage traffic and pay for the construction costs of the new tunnel.
Peak hours for the toll will be from 6am to 10am for northbound traffic on weekdays, and from 4pm to 7pm for southbound traffic. However, drivers who use the automated payment system, AutoPay, will only have to pay £1.50 during off-peak hours. For those who use other payment methods, the toll will still be £4 per trip.
Currently, the Blackwall Tunnel can be used for free, but this will change once the Silvertown Tunnel, which costs £2 billion, is open. The proposed charges for other types of vehicles are £2.50 for motorbikes and mopeds, £6.50 for large vans, and £10 for heavy goods vehicles during peak hours. Small vans will pay the same toll as cars. The purpose of these fees is to manage traffic and cover the costs of the Silvertown Tunnel.
There will be no toll for overnight use of both tunnels for all types of vehicles, as stated by TfL. However, those who fail to pay the toll during the day will face a hefty fine of £180. Some exemptions have been made for certain vehicles and individuals in the capital. These include buses, coaches, black taxis, blue badge holders registered in London, and zero-emission capable private hire vehicles.
Discounts will also be available for low-income individuals who receive benefits, charities, sole traders, and small businesses. The discount for low-income individuals, expected to be 50%, can be obtained by contacting their local council. Charities, small businesses, and sole traders must be registered in the boroughs of Greenwich, Tower Hamlets, and Newham to be eligible for a discount.
Despite the proposed toll, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan argues that it will help reduce pollution in the Blackwall Tunnel area. However, climate activists believe that the Silvertown Tunnel will still increase traffic and air pollution. Mayor Khan welcomed the development of the new tunnel, stating that it will lead to faster and more reliable journeys in east London.
TfL's director of strategy, Christina Calderato, also supports the toll, stating that without it, there would likely be high levels of traffic and congestion, leading to negative impacts on air quality and longer journey times. Mayor Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone, which was expanded last August, caused controversy among some drivers. This zone charges a daily fee of £12.50 for drivers of older vehicles and aims to improve London's air quality.
In addition to the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, dozens of activists protested at Downing Street last year. Their main concern was that the zone was expanded to all 32 London boroughs.
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