Silvertown Tunnel

Silvertown Tunnel Now Open: Essential Information for Drivers

10/04/2025

As of April 7, 2025, Transport for London (TfL) has opened the Silvertown Tunnel, a significant new infrastructure project designed to improve cross-river connectivity in east London. This 1.4-kilometer twin-bore tunnel links the Greenwich Peninsula with Silvertown in the Royal Docks, aiming to alleviate congestion at the adjacent Blackwall Tunnel.

Key Details:

Opening Date: April 7, 2025
Location: Connects the Greenwich Peninsula (south of the Thames) with Silvertown in the Royal Docks (north of the Thames)
Purpose: To reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and improve cross-river transport options

Toll Charges:

With the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel, both it and the Blackwall Tunnel are now subject to user charges aimed at managing traffic flow and funding maintenance. Transport for London

Charge Details:

Operating Hours: Tolls apply daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Charges:
- Cars and Small Vans: £4 during peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6:00–10:00 AM northbound; 4:00–7:00 PM southbound), £1.50 off-peak
- Motorcycles: £2.50 peak, £1.50 off-peak
- Large Vans: £6.50 peak, £2.50 off-peak
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £10 peak, £5 off-peak
Exemptions and Discounts:
- Buses, black cabs, registered Blue Badge holders, and some zero-emission vehicles are exempt.
- Discounts are available for local residents, low-income drivers, small businesses, and charities, provided they register with TfL's Auto Pay system.

Payment Methods:

Drivers can pay tolls via TfL's Auto Pay system, online, or through a mobile app. Failure to pay may result in fines of up to £180.

Public Transport Enhancements:

The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel also brings improvements to public transport:

New Bus Routes: TfL has introduced new zero-emission bus routes through the tunnel, including the Superloop 4 (SL4) between Canary Wharf and Grove Park, which will be free for the first year.
Cycle Shuttle Service: A free cycle shuttle service operates every 12 minutes from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, seven days a week, facilitating cyclist crossings.

Considerations for Drivers:

Plan for Tolls: Incorporate the new toll charges into your travel budget and consider registering for TfL's Auto Pay system for convenience.
Explore Alternatives: Evaluate public transport options, especially with the introduction of new bus routes and the cycle shuttle service.
Stay Updated: Monitor TfL communications for any changes or updates to toll charges, exemptions, and public transport services.

For more detailed information and to register for discounts or exemptions, visit TfL's official Silvertown Tunnel page.

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