The proposed tolls for using the Silvertown Tunnel have been announced. They're not called tolls, they're called user charges, but we all know what they are. The tolls will also apply to the Blackwall Tunnel from the day the Silvertown Tunnel opens which is expected to be 'spring 2025'. The Rotherhithe Tunnel and Woolwich Ferry will remain free. TfL first proposed tolling the two tunnels in a consultation in 2012 under the previous Mayor, so you've had a very long time to get used to all this.
The lowest charge will be £1.50 for motorbikes and cars.
Large vans pay more than small vans.
HGVs are paying well over the odds.
But it's quite complicated, and you might well end up paying more.
Firstly there'll be higher charges at peak times.
Peak times are northbound in the morning and southbound in the evening.
The morning peak is four hours long (6-10am), the evening peak is three (4-7pm).
Cars will pay more than twice as much at peak times - £4 instead of £1.50.
Also the lower fares apply only to those who've registered for an 'Auto Pay' account. Everyone else pays peak fares even if it's not peak time.
You'll be able to pay the charge via a website, an app or a phoneline but the financial penalty will be severe.
You'll have three days to pay.
In good news the tunnels will be free to use...
a) between 10pm and 6am
b) on Christmas Day
Using the tunnels will also be free for Blue Badge holders, vehicles with 9 or more seats, taxis, the emergency services and 'Zero-Emission Capable and Wheelchair Accessible private hire vehicles'.
There'll also be short term local discounts.
• £1 off for small businesses registered in Tower Hamlets, Newham or Greenwich, but only off-peak and only for 12 months.
• 50% off for low-income residents in 13 east and southeast London boroughs, this for at least 3 years.
Cars will pay less than on the Dartford Crossing (which is £2 for Auto Pay).
Motorbikes will pay more than on the Dartford Crossing (which is free).
Cyclists will not be allowed to ride through the Silvertown Tunnel but they can use a new cycle bus shuttle which'll be free for at least 12 months. The results of this consultation are promised 'soon'. (see previous lengthy blogpost)
Pedestrians will not be allowed to walk through the tunnels but they can catch a bus.
There'll be three bus routes (see previous lengthy blogpost)
» the existing 108 through the Blackwall Tunnel
» an extended 129 to the backside of Beckton
» the still-frankly-baffling Superloop route SL4
I note that catching a bus through the tunnels (£1.75) will be more expensive than driving (£1.50).
Local residents will get two further concessions for a duration of 12 months.
• Free trips on the new cross-river bus services (108, 129 and SL4).
• Free trips (refunded) for those making DLR journeys from King George V - Woolwich Arsenal or Island Gardens - Cutty Sark.
If you'd like more background detail the consultation website has a lengthy set of FAQs.
If you'd like even more background detail try this 51 page pdf of Supplementary Information.
Dangleway News
This advert has been all over the place lately, including on tube posters and popping up in Instagram.
It say 'Book now to save up to 30%* on the IFS Cloud Cable Car'.
The asterisked smallprint says 'Peak and off-peak discounts vary. Maximum 30% discount only available for off-peak round trips when you book seven days in advance'.
I couldn't find any further details of how the discount works. However I have tried finding fares using online ticketing and I can confirm that the 30% discount is not a widespread offer.
Price of a round trip booked in advance Today: £12 (full price) This weekend: £12 (full price) Monday: £10 (17% off) Tuesday: £9.50 (20% off) Wednesday: £9 (25% off) Thursday: £9 (25% off) Friday: £8.40 (30% off) Saturday and every day more than 7 days in the future: £10.20 (15% off)
i.e. the 30% offer only applies 7 days in the future, and never at weekends.
You get no discount for a single trip.
You used to get 17% off simply for using Oyster or contactless but they scrapped that.
So if you want to risk paying in advance and possibly turning up during dull or wet weather you could save a few quid. But probably not as much as the 30% in the adverts.
