From 7 April 2025, Transport for London (TfL) will begin charging drivers to use both the existing Blackwall Tunnel and the brand-new Silvertown Tunnel. For car drivers who regularly make Thames crossings – especially if you’re a PCO driver – this is important news for you.


The Silvertown Tunnel, which connects Silvertown in Newham, East London to the Greenwich Peninsula, has been built to help ease traffic near the Blackwall Tunnel. It’s designed to make rush hour journeys quicker and improve public transport links between both sides of the river.


  • When do the new toll charges apply?

  • How much will the toll fees be?

  • Why are there charges for these tunnels?

  • Helpful tips for PCO drivers


When do the new toll charges apply?


Motorists cross the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel should be aware of the peak and off-peak toll charges that apply every day during the following hours:


  • Charging hours: 6am – 10pm

  • Free travel overnight: 10pm – 6am

  • Charges apply in both directions (northbound and southbound)


How much will the toll fees be?

For cars and small van drivers (including most PCO vehicles), here’s what you’ll pay per crossing during toll hours:


Peak Hours (higher charge):


  • £4.00 during peak hours

  • Northbound (towards East London): Monday to Friday, 6am – 10am

  • Southbound (towards South London): Monday to Friday, 4pm – 7:00 pm


Off-Peak Hours (lower charge):


  • £1.50 during off-peak hours

  • All other times within the 6am – 10pm window

  • All weekend travel is off-peak


Why are there charges for these tunnels?


The tunnel user charges have been introduced to:

  • Keep traffic levels under control

  • Repay the cost of building the Silvertown Tunnel

  • Help cover the cost of running and maintaining both tunnels

By charging at busier times and keeping travel free overnight, TfL hopes to spread traffic more evenly and reduce congestion.


For more information about the new Silvertown Tunnel and the upcoming charges – check out the TfL website.


Helpful tips for PCO drivers


  • You won’t be charged when using a zero-emission capable private hire vehicle for a TfL-licensed booking.

  • You will be charged every time you use the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnels without a booking – even if you’re in a zero-emission vehicle.

  • You need to make sure you’re signed up to a TfL Auto Pay to make payments automatic and stress-free (if you’re an Otto Car driver, you should already have this set up).

  • These charges are the same for both tunnels.

  • Overnight travel is currently free.

  • If you’re unsure how much you'll pay, TfL has a vehicle checker tool on their website.


It's worth planning your journeys in advance – look into other routes or aim to travel during off-peak hours to save money and avoid unexpected toll charges on your account.