TfL raises Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel tolls from 21 September
Peak charges for cars will rise to £4.20, with motorbikes and vans also affected by the increase
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The report cites TfL as the source for the price increase but lacks specific documentation or direct quotes.
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Transport for London will increase toll charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels from 21 September. The changes affect drivers using the crossings during peak and off-peak hours, with higher costs for cars, motorbikes and large vans.
The new peak charge for cars will be £4.20, up from the current rate. Peak hours are northbound between 6:00 and 10:00, and southbound between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. Off-peak charges for cars will rise by 5p to £1.55.
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Motorbikes will see peak charges increase to £2.60, while large vans will pay £6.80 during peak hours. Heavy goods vehicles will face a peak toll of £10.50. Off-peak charges for large vans will rise to £2.60.
How drivers can pay
Most drivers pay the toll through TfL Autopay, which automatically applies the lowest charge based on vehicle type and time of use. The system allows users to register up to five vehicles. Manual payments can be made online, via the TfL Pay app, or by phone on 0343 222 2222.
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Penalties and discounts
Drivers who fail to pay the toll will receive a penalty charge of £180. This reduces to £90 if paid within 14 days. TfL has confirmed the penalty structure remains unchanged despite the toll increase.
Residents in 13 London boroughs, including Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, and Tower Hamlets, may qualify for discounts of up to 100% on toll charges. Eligibility depends on receiving state benefits such as universal credit, housing benefit, or carer’s allowance.
Why the tolls were introduced
TfL introduced tolls for the Silvertown Tunnel when it opened in April 2026. The charges aim to fund maintenance, reduce congestion, and balance traffic across east London. The Silvertown Tunnel was the first new sub-Thames crossing in over 30 years.
TfL stated the tolls would help improve air quality and journey times by managing traffic flow. The Blackwall Tunnel, which already charged tolls, was included in the scheme to prevent drivers favouring one crossing over the other.
What happens next
The new toll rates will take effect on 21 September. Drivers using the tunnels should update their payment methods or register for Autopay to avoid penalties. Residents eligible for discounts must ensure their details are up to date with TfL.
Questions this report answers
+How much will the new tolls cost?
From 21 September, peak charges for cars will be £4.20, motorbikes £2.60, and large vans £6.80. Off-peak charges for cars will rise to £1.55. The increases apply to both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
+Who qualifies for discounts on the tolls?
Residents in 13 London boroughs, including Greenwich and Tower Hamlets, may qualify for discounts if they receive state benefits such as universal credit or housing benefit. Discounts can cover up to 100% of the toll.
+What happens if I don’t pay the toll?
Drivers who do not pay the toll will receive a penalty charge of £180. This reduces to £90 if paid within 14 days. The penalty applies to all vehicle types using the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
+When do the new toll charges start?
The new toll charges will take effect on Monday, 21 September. Drivers should update their payment methods or register for TfL Autopay before this date to avoid penalties.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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