The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is asking the Government for lower Blackwall Tunnel tolls for lower-income drivers, as warnings of £10 return journeys along the route are advised.
Blackwall Tunnel, the road that connects east London beneath the River Thames, is set to cost more than £10 a day for a return trip if the proposed levy stays in line with inflation.
Mr Khan maintained that a toll was required at both tunnels to repay the Silvertown construction costs, “manage traffic demand” and avoid worsening air pollution. However, the Mayor is clearly concerned about public reaction to the Blackwall Tunnel tolls, particularly following the introduction of ULEZ.
This comes as those using the tunnel are told to expect more disruption later this month.
Motorists will be advised to look for other routes when the southbound road of the Blackwall Tunnel closes from October 21 to October 23, 2023.
The latest announcement follows several other recent closures of the tunnel as more work is carried out to reduce congestion in support of the newly constructed Silvertown Tunnel.
Although Blackwall Tunnel will be closed on its southbound road, the northbound road will not be impacted. However, there will be restricted access to Tunnel Avenue and Pear Island while work is carried out.
What are the alternative routes?
The closest alternative route for motorists is the Rotherhithe Tunnel or Tower Bridge. However, those hoping to use these routes need to be wary of car restrictions.
Vehicles over a certain size are prohibited from using the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and weight limits are in place for Tower Bridge.
The 108 bus that also uses the tunnel will face disruptions, and terminate at Canning Town and North Greenwich. TfL advises those travelling on this line to continue their journey with the Jubilee line. Bus passengers will not be charged extra for continuing their journey on the Tube.
When is the Silvertown Tunnel opening?
Silvertown Tunnel is London’s first new road tunnel created in over three decades. It’s due to open to motorists in 2025, helping ease congestion in the Blackwall Tunnel and roads surrounding Greenwich and the Royal Docks. Motorists will be charged to use the tunnel.
The new construction will also include improved walking and cycling areas as part of a general revamp of the locations surrounding the new tunnel.
It was first proposed in 2019, however, faced some pushback from campaigners who suggested it might contribute to more pollution.
Blackwall Tunnel first opened in 1897 and was accessible to pedestrians as well as horses and carriages. Congestion, however, quickly became a problem and prompted the construction of a second tunnel in 1967.
Although the two tunnels helped to keep the flow of two-directional traffic, that still doesn’t seem to be enough for modern-day East London.
According to the TfL website, there are often incidents with larger, unsuitable vehicles using the tunnel prompting a line of idling traffic. This can build up across several miles within minutes.
Silvertown has also been designed to ease traffic at Blackwall and encourage the smooth flow of traffic. It is set to open in 2025.
Ahead of the upcoming tunnel closures, Carl Eddleston, director of network management and resilience at TfL, said: “The Blackwall Tunnel is used by tens of thousands of vehicles every day and we appreciate that these works will have an impact on some drivers.
He continued: “Having completed works to the southbound carriageway, we are now working with Riverlinx CJV to prepare the northbound carriageway for the new Silvertown Tunnel.
“We have worked hard to try and limit the potential disruption these will cause, such as ensuring a northbound route can be maintained throughout these closures. We will also be taking the opportunity to carry out works within and around the tunnel to help deliver future maintenance work more efficiently and ensure it continues to safely operate.”
