Drivers in London will face increased charges for using the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels starting September 21, 2026. Transport for London (TfL) announced a 5% price increase for both tunnels, citing the need to "manage traffic demand." This adjustment follows recent toll hikes on other key routes in the capital.
The cost for cars and small vans using the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will rise from £4.00 to £4.20 during peak hours on weekdays. Peak times are defined as northbound between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and southbound between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Outside of these times, the charge for car drivers will increase from £1.50 to £1.55.
Heavy Goods Vehicles will experience a rise to £5.25 each way off-peak and £10.50 at peak times. Large van drivers will see their peak crossing cost increase by 30p to £6.80, with off-peak charges rising by 10p to £2.60. Motorbikes and mopeds will pay £1.55 off-peak, up from £1.50, and £2.60 at peak times, up from £2.50.
These tunnels, located in east London, connect the Greenwich Peninsula with Poplar and Silvertown. On a typical working day, an estimated 91,000 to 100,000 vehicles pass through them. The Blackwall Tunnel, in particular, has historically been a significant bottleneck, though the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel in April 2025 was intended to alleviate congestion.
Christina Calderato, TfL's director of strategy, stated that the tunnel user charges are designed to manage traffic and support broader objectives, including improving road network performance, encouraging public transport and active travel, and fostering economic growth. "Without the tunnel user charge, there would be more traffic and congestion, with negative impacts on air quality and journey times," Calderato explained. She added that the "small increase to the tunnel user charges to account for inflation" will help maintain the charge's effectiveness in managing demand and achieving project goals.
The Silvertown Tunnel, constructed at a cost of approximately £2.2 billion, was designed to ease pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel, which had operated toll-free since its construction in 1897. TfL reports that the new tunnel has already reduced journey times by up to 58% and contributed to a 17% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels in the area.
This latest increase follows a series of recent toll adjustments in London. In January 2026, the Congestion Charge rose from £15 to £18. Additionally, the Dart Charge saw a 40% increase approximately 12 months prior to this announcement. The Congestion Charge hike also coincided with the end of exemptions for electric vehicles, which now receive only a 25% discount if registered with TfL's Auto Pay system.
Drivers have the option to sign up for TfL's Auto Pay system to avoid multiple one-off payments. The system has seen significant adoption, with over 3.7 million vehicles registered, compared to 2.65 million in January 2025. TfL notes that nearly 85% of tunnel user charges are now paid via Auto Pay. Failure to pay the charge can result in a penalty notice of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks.