Motorists began using the newly-completed Silvertown Tunnel on Monday, marking the opening of the first new road crossing beneath the River Thames in 58 years – but not without controversy, as tolls of up to £4 were introduced for drivers using both Silvertown and the neighbouring Blackwall Tunnel.
The mile-long, twin-bore tunnel connects North Greenwich and Canning Town, promising to ease congestion across East and South-East London. The first cars were expected through by 5am, with tolling commencing at 6am. For car drivers, the weekday peak fare is £4 per crossing, falling to £1.50 during off-peak hours, provided they’ve registered for TfL’s AutoPay system.
Charges apply between 6am and 10pm daily at both tunnels, with peak times defined as northbound from 6am to 10am and southbound from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. The toll-free window, from 10pm to 6am, has already prompted concern from campaigners about increased freight traffic during overnight hours.
The Silvertown Tunnel is part of a £2.2 billion Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme approved by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was due to inspect the site personally. Transport for London (TfL) engineers and council officers are monitoring closely to assess the tunnel’s impact on traffic flow and air quality, particularly in relation to potential diversions via free alternatives like the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
Despite the celebratory tone from officials, environmental and community groups have voiced strong opposition. Protesters gathered at City Hall, calling for the tunnel to be repurposed for public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians. Cyclists are currently barred from using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels directly, but a new “bike bus” shuttle has been launched, offering free service for at least a year.
Sadiq Khan defended the project, stating: “The Silvertown Tunnel will transform cross-river travel, cut journey times, and reduce congestion at Blackwall. We’ve introduced discounts for local residents and small businesses, reserved lanes for double-decker buses, and launched a free cycle shuttle to encourage greener transport.”
One lane in each tunnel bore has been set aside for buses. Two services – the extended 129 and the new SL4 Superloop – now use the Silvertown Tunnel, while the 108 continues via Blackwall.
Campaigners like Victoria Rance of the Stop the Silvertown Tunnel Coalition argue that the tunnel enables more HGV traffic, particularly diesel-powered lorries, which may undermine the benefits of Khan’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). “This tunnel is a ticking time bomb for public health,” she said. “We need an urgent rethink to prevent further harm to London’s children and communities.”
The tunnel’s construction began in 2021, delivered by the Riverlinx consortium. Drivers failing to pay tolls face £180 penalties. TfL projects annual toll and penalty revenue of £100 million, with operational profits expected only by 2026/27 – and even then, limited to around £3 million per year.
Green London Assembly member Caroline Russell said: “This is a £2 billion mistake. It fails Londoners, increases pollution, and discourages walking and cycling. The mayor’s claim of being ‘green’ is hard to take seriously when active travel remains so poorly supported.”
TfL maintains that ULEZ regulations apply to all vehicles using the Silvertown Tunnel. Low-income residents across 13 boroughs can access a 50% discount, and eligible businesses in Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets receive £1 off peak fares.
Despite the opposition, business leaders welcomed the tunnel’s opening. Andy Lord, TfL commissioner, called it “vital to east London’s growth,” and John Dickie of BusinessLDN hailed it as a “powerful example of public-private cooperation delivering for the capital.”
Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, added: “We’re now better connected than ever. The Silvertown Tunnel will significantly improve journeys for our workers, residents, and visitors alike.”
