What Is the Silvertown Tunnel?
Opening in 2025, the Silvertown Tunnel charge is a new road tunnel under the River Thames in East London, connecting Silvertown (Newham) with the Greenwich Peninsula. Designed to ease congestion at the nearby Blackwall Tunnel, it will operate as a user-pays toll route managed by Transport for London (TfL).
All vehicles using the tunnel — including private cars, vans, and taxis — will be subject to the Silvertown Tunnel Charges, unless exempt.
What to Expect - Silvertown Tunnel Charges 2025
The standard toll for most vehicles is expected to be £4 per crossing. However, if you also use the Blackwall Tunnel on the same day, you’ll only pay once thanks to TfL’s “Single Tunnel Charge” policy.
For non-compliant or high-emission vehicles (those not meeting ULEZ standards), an additional £3.10 emissions surcharge will apply, bringing the total to £7.10 per trip.
Charges apply 24/7 — unlike congestion or ULEZ charges, there are no time-based exemptions.
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Who Is Exempt from Silvertown Tunnel Charges?
- Emergency service vehicles (police, fire, ambulance)
- Disabled taxicard holders (must register with TfL)
- Zero-emission vehicles (e.g., fully electric cars and taxis) – as of 2025, this exemption may be reviewed
Most private hire vehicles (PHVs), including minicabs and ride-share cars, are not exempt unless they meet zero-emission criteria.
How to Pay the Silvertown Tunnel Charge
TfL uses an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system. You can pay:
- Online via the TfL website
- Through the TfL app
- By phone or at selected retail outlets
Payment must be made by midnight the **next day** after travel to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days).
How Will This Affect London Taxi Drivers?
For minicab and private hire drivers operating in East or South East London, the Silvertown Tunnel may offer a faster alternative to the frequently congested Blackwall Tunnel — but at a cost.
If you regularly drive between areas like Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Canning Town, or Royal Docks, factor in the Silvertown Tunnel Charges when calculating trip costs or quoting fares.
At Taxi Bushey, we recommend planning routes using TfL’s official journey planner and staying updated on toll changes to keep your service affordable and compliant.