The new toll, which is expected to be £4 per trip during peak times, aims to manage traffic levels and help repay the £2bn cost of constructing the Silvertown Tunnel. The toll is also part of a broader strategy to reduce congestion and improve air quality in east London.

The Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel, which suffers from frequent closures – more than 700 times annually – currently sees about 100,000 vehicles daily, often leading to severe congestion, particularly in the northbound direction​.

The toll introduction is also seen as a measure to offset the financial burden of the Silvertown Tunnel’s construction and maintenance. The Silvertown Tunnel project, initiated by London mayor Sadiq Khan, has been controversial since its inception in 2012.

Critics argue that while the new tunnel is intended to alleviate congestion at the heavily trafficked Blackwall Tunnel, it could also increase overall traffic and pollution.

However, according to TfL, any surplus revenue generated from the tolls will be reinvested into London’s transport network, potentially funding improvements and new projects aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint.​

Christina Calderato, director of strategy at TfL, said: “Without introducing tunnel user charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, there would likely be high levels of traffic and congestion, which would lead to detrimental air quality impacts, as well as longer journey times.”

Still, the decision to implement tolls has sparked debate. Local residents and businesses have voiced concerns over the financial impact, especially in conjunction with the Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.

Opponents of the tolls, including various environmental and local advocacy groups, argue that the new charges are an unfair financial burden on motorists and do not sufficiently address the environmental concerns posed by increased traffic from the new tunnel.

Some have suggested that the Silvertown Tunnel should be designated for public transport and active travel only, to genuinely reduce emissions and congestion​. Oliver Lord, UK head of Clean Cities, said: “This consultation opens a broader debate around how London’s transport system is still not addressing inequities in the capital.

“How is it fair that residents and businesses in the east are paying for infrastructure such as this and then those in the west expect a blank cheque to fix Victorian bridges?

“We need a longer-term strategy on how to deal with this issue, so it is fairer for Londoners and effective in protecting the population from the significant impact of pollution on both our health and the environment.

“Ultimately, increasing road capacity is not the answer. More roads mean more traffic, and we’ve know this for decades now.

“We can debate whether the tunnel should be there in the first place but it’s happening, so the critical task now is to make sure it works as best as possible for the local community.

“The opening next year should be coupled with a visionary approach to restructure road capacity elsewhere and I would begin by putting forward a proposal for Tower Bridge, handing back more of this iconic landmark to people instead of polluting motor vehicles.”

The toll system is expected to be implemented through an online payment system, avoiding the need for physical toll booths, which could further contribute to congestion. Upon opening, both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels will have user charges from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. Off-peak rates will be £1.50 for cars, motorbikes, and small vans registered with TfL AutoPay.

During peak hours – 06:00 to 10:00 northbound and 16:00 to 19:00 southbound on weekdays – the charges will rise, adding an extra £2.50 for cars and small vans. Taxis, blue badge holders, zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles, as well as DVLA-registered minibuses and coaches, will be exempt from charges.

NHS staff and patients eligible for the NHS reimbursement scheme will also be spared, alongside accredited breakdown and recovery vehicles. TfL has also introduced a package of concessions and discounts for local residents. These include a 50% discount for low-income drivers in east and south-east London boroughs and a £1 discount on the standard off-peak charge for small businesses, sole traders, and charities in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Greenwich.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Local residents and business owners currently face chronic congestion and pollution in the area around the Blackwall Tunnel.

“When it opens in 2025, the long-planned new Silvertown tunnel will help deliver quicker, more reliable journeys in east London by easing congestion and making journeys up to 20 minutes faster.”

Additionally, free cross-river bus journeys on three routes, free DLR travel on select routes, and a free cycle shuttle service will be available for at least one year after the tunnel opens. TfL has launched an eight-week consultation to gather public feedback on the proposed charges, discounts, and exemptions.

The consultation will run until 03 September 2024.