Regeneration news
Silvertown Tunnel: pre-register for user charge discounts
The countdown has begun to the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel on 7th April 2025.
Once the tunnel opens, user charges will apply each way through both the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels, unless you or your vehicle are exempt.
The user charge is designed to manage levels of traffic through the tunnels. It will also pay for the construction, ongoing maintenance and operation of the scheme. Any surplus revenue will be reinvested in London’s transport network.
A package of concessions, discounts and exemptions are available to support Londoners, small businesses and charities. A free cycle-shuttle service and free cross-river bus journeys will also be available for at least one year, starting from 7 April.
Linking Silvertown in the Royal Docks to the Greenwich Peninsula, the 1.4km tunnel will help reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, deliver faster journeys during peak times, help manage overall air quality and allow for better cross-river public transport. Plans also include improvements for walking and cycling around the tunnel and form part of major regeneration and infrastructure improvements in the Royal Docks.
Discounts
TfL is encouraging low-income residents, local businesses, and charities to pre-register for Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel user charge discounts.
Low-income residents
Low-income residents in 12 east London boroughs, plus the City of London, and on certain benefits, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on tunnel crossing charges. To check eligibility and apply for the discount, visit https://tfl.gov.uk/tunnel-discounts.
Small businesses & charities
Small businesses, sole traders and charities registered and operating from Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets are eligible for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge on a maximum of three vehicles for at least 12 months from 7 April. They can also pre-register now. Please note: these discounts are different to the off-peak discount available to all drivers via Auto Pay and must be applied for separately to benefit.
Auto Pay
TfL is encouraging all drivers to pre-register for Auto Pay now, to ensure they benefit from off-peak charges from 7 April. Registering for Auto Pay is free, and there are no renewal fees. Customers who already have an Auto Pay service will automatically pay the tunnel charges from 7 April but are encouraged to check all vehicles they plan to use to drive through the tunnels are registered on their account.
Providing more public transport services for Londoners
To support the opening of the new tunnel, the route 129 and new Superloop 4 (SL4) between Canary Wharf and Grove Park which uses the Silvertown Tunnel, as well as the route 108 bus which uses the Blackwall Tunnel, will be free for at least the first year. Cross-river DLR journeys between Woolwich Arsenal and King George V, and between Cutty Sark and Island Gardens, will also be free for at least one year.
A new zero-emission cycle-shuttle service will also be introduced to allow cyclists to cross the river at this location. The service will operate every 12 minutes, seven days a week from 06:30 to 21:30. It will have two stops, one on each side of the river, with the 'north' stop located on Seagull Lane close to Royal Victoria DLR station, and the 'south' stop located on Millennium Way near the junction with Old School Close.
More information & contact details:
For more information on all aspects of the Silvertown Tunnel including information on all discounts, exemptions and concessions visit TfL’s website
For any questions email: silvertowntunnel@tfl.gov.uk
Sign up to receive updates on tunnel user charges
Contact: Riverlinx 24/7 Helpdesk: 07907 978 486
