Blackwall & Silvertown Tunnel Charges 2025: Complete Guide to Costs, Fines & Alternative Routes

The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are vital river crossings in East London, connecting Greenwich Peninsula to Silvertown across the River Thames. With the Silvertown Tunnel opening in April 2025, understanding the new charging system, costs, and alternative routes is essential for all London drivers.

Overview of the Tunnels

Blackwall Tunnel

Location: Connects Greenwich Peninsula to Silvertown
Type: Two-bore tunnel (northbound and southbound)
Capacity: Handles significant traffic volumes daily
History: Originally opened in 1897, extensively modernized

Silvertown Tunnel

Opening: April 7, 2025
Purpose: Additional capacity alongside Blackwall Tunnel
Technology: Modern infrastructure with advanced traffic management
Benefits: Reduced congestion and improved connectivity

Current Charging System

Operating Hours

24/7 Operation: Both tunnels operate continuously
Charging Hours: 06:00-22:00 daily
Free Period: 22:00-06:00 (no charges applied)

Peak vs Off-Peak Charges

Peak Hours (Higher Charges):

Northbound: 06:00-10:00 (weekdays)
Southbound: 16:00-19:00 (weekdays)

Off-Peak Hours (Lower Charges):

All other times: Including weekends 06:00-22:00
Overnight: 22:00-06:00 (free)

Vehicle Categories & Charges

Standard Vehicles:

Peak: £4.00 per crossing
Off-Peak: £2.50 per crossing
Overnight: Free

Commercial Vehicles:

Peak: £8.00 per crossing
Off-Peak: £5.00 per crossing
Overnight: Free

Motorcycles:

Peak: £2.00 per crossing
Off-Peak: £1.25 per crossing
Overnight: Free

Payment Methods

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)

Primary Method: Cameras automatically detect vehicles
Payment Window: Up to 3 days after crossing
Online Payment: Via TfL website or app
Phone Payment: Call TfL customer services

TfL Go App

Real-Time Payment: Pay immediately after crossing
Account Management: Track payment history
Notifications: Receive payment reminders
Multiple Vehicles: Manage fleet payments

Online Account

Pre-Payment: Top up account balance
Auto-Pay: Automatic payment for regular users
Discounts: Access to resident and business discounts
History: View crossing and payment history

💳 Pay Your Tunnel Charges Now →{:target="_blank"} - Official TfL payment portal for Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges.

Discounts & Exemptions

Local Resident Discounts

Eligibility: Residents within designated zones
Discount Rate: Up to 50% off standard charges
Application: Via TfL website with proof of address
Annual Cap: Maximum charges per year

Small Business Discounts

Eligibility: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees
Discount Rate: Up to 30% off standard charges
Application: Business registration required
Fleet Management: Bulk payment options

Public Transport Concessions

Eligible Vehicles: Certain public transport vehicles
Exemptions: Emergency services and buses
Application: Special registration required
Verification: Regular compliance checks

Penalties & Fines

Late Payment Penalties

First Notice: £80 penalty charge
Reduced Payment: £40 if paid within 14 days
Appeal Process: Available for genuine errors
Escalation: Can increase to £160 if unpaid

Non-Payment Consequences

Debt Recovery: TfL debt collection process
Credit Impact: May affect credit rating
Legal Action: Court proceedings for persistent non-payment
Vehicle Clamping: In extreme cases

Avoiding Penalties

Set Up Account: Create TfL account for automatic payments
Payment Reminders: Enable notifications
Regular Checks: Monitor account balance
Alternative Payment: Use multiple payment methods

Alternative Routes

Rotherhithe Tunnel

Location: Between Rotherhithe and Limehouse
Restrictions: Height limit 2.0m, weight limit 7.5 tonnes
Suitable For: Cars and small vans only
Charges: Free to use
Congestion: Often busy during peak hours

Woolwich Ferry

Location: Between Woolwich and North Woolwich
Service: Free ferry service
Capacity: Limited vehicle capacity
Frequency: Regular crossings throughout day
Wait Times: Can be significant during peak periods

Dartford Crossing

Location: Part of M25 orbital motorway
Components: Dartford Tunnel and QEII Bridge
Charges: Separate Dart Charge system
Distance: Longer route for East London destinations
Congestion: Often busy, especially during peak hours

Tower Bridge

Location: Central London crossing
Restrictions: Height and weight limits
Congestion: Very busy during peak hours
Charges: Free to use
Access: May require central London congestion charge

London Bridge

Location: Central London
Restrictions: Height and weight limits
Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
Charges: Free to use
Access: Central London congestion charge applies

Upcoming Closures & Maintenance

Planned Maintenance

Routine Inspections: Regular safety and maintenance checks
Overnight Closures: Typically 22:00-05:00
Advance Notice: Usually 2-4 weeks notice
Alternative Routes: Signposted during closures

Emergency Closures

Incident Response: Immediate closure for safety
Recovery Time: Varies depending on incident severity
Real-Time Updates: Via TfL website and apps
Traffic Management: Diversion routes activated

Staying Informed

TfL Website: Real-time status updates
TfL Go App: Push notifications for closures
Email Alerts: Subscribe to closure notifications
Social Media: Follow TfL for live updates

Tips for Smooth Crossings

Planning Your Journey

Check Status: Verify tunnel status before traveling
Peak Avoidance: Travel outside peak hours when possible
Alternative Routes: Know your backup options
Payment Setup: Ensure payment method is ready

Cost Management

Account Setup: Create TfL account for discounts
Pre-Payment: Top up account to avoid late fees
Regular Users: Consider auto-pay options
Business Users: Apply for business discounts

Traffic Management

Real-Time Updates: Use TfL apps for live traffic
Peak Hours: Avoid 06:00-10:00 northbound, 16:00-19:00 southbound
Weekend Travel: Generally less congested
Overnight Travel: Free and typically clear

Related Information

Planning your journey? Don't forget to check for closures and maintenance work that could affect your travel:

Dartford Crossing Closures September & October 2025 →

Dart Charge Guide 2025 →

Stay informed about all London river crossings to plan your journeys effectively.

Conclusion

The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels provide essential connectivity across the Thames in East London. Understanding the charging system, payment methods, and alternative routes ensures smooth and cost-effective travel. With the new Silvertown Tunnel operational since April 2025, drivers now have additional capacity and improved journey options.

Key Takeaways:

Charges apply 06:00-22:00 daily (free overnight)
Peak hours have higher charges (weekday mornings and evenings)
Multiple payment methods available with discounts for residents and businesses
Several alternative routes available during closures or congestion
Stay informed via TfL website and apps for real-time updates

Stay Updated: Always check TfL's official website for the latest information on charges, closures, and alternative routes before traveling.

Official Resources

TfL Official Page: Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel Charges - Official Transport for London information on tunnel charges, payment methods, and updates.