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London tunnel toll hikes hit drivers with peak charges rising to £4.20 from Monday

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

The Silvertown Tunnel entrance in east London, where cars and small vans now face a peak toll of £4.20 each way after TfL raised charges by up to 5% from today.
The Silvertown Tunnel entrance in east London, where cars and small vans now face a peak toll of £4.20 each way after TfL raised charges by up to 5% from today.

Charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels rose by up to 5% from Monday September 21, with peak car and small van crossings climbing from £4 to £4.20. Heavy goods vehicles face the steepest bill, paying £10.50 at peak times — up 50p — while large vans pay £6.80 in peak hours. Critics warn the tolls have merely diverted traffic to other crossings rather than cutting congestion. The Blackwall Tunnel had been free to use for 130 years before charges were introduced in 2025.

TfL says the increase reflects inflation and keeps both tunnels' charges calibrated to regulate traffic demand appropriately.

Off-peak rates for cars, motorbikes and mopeds also crept up 5p to £1.55, hitting commuters outside rush hour too.

Rotherhithe Tunnel journey times rose 3% on weekdays after the charges launched — while the Woolwich Ferry remains free.

MoreLBCHow much do London Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels cost after price increase?Yahoo News UKWhat you need to know as Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charges rise - Yahoo News UKThe SunUK’s newest tunnel is HIKING fees to £4.20 today in blow to millions of driversGB NewsLondon: Drivers face more expensive daily charges from today as Silvertown Tunnel hikes costsgov.ukBlackwall and Silvertown tunnels chargeLondon Evening StandardWhat you need to know as Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charges rise - London Evening Standard
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