Silvertown Tunnel Now Open
Plans for another river crossing in London has longed been discussed, with conversations reaching as far back as the 90s. Successive Mayors have thrown around many different ideas, from bridges, ferries and tunnels. Approval was granted for the Silvertown Tunnel in 2018 and the contract to design and build the tunnel was awarded to Riverlinx in November 2019. The whole purpose of this additional crossing was to alleviate the huge pressures exert on Blackwall Tunnel and Rotherhide Tunnel due to congestion. The Blackwall Tunnel alone often carries around 90,000 vehicles per day during the week, hitting 3,000 per hour at peak times. In short, it was not designed for the modern day reliance on cars.
Costs
Construction on the Silvertown Tunnel commenced in 2021. As expected, the final cost of the tunnel far exceed the initial £600m that was estimated in 2012. Following a consultation in 2015, the costs were then estimated to be approximately £1bn but this was further increased in 2020 to £1.2bn. Riverlinx, in 2021, obtained private finance to fund the build of the tunnel, which was a huge sum of £2.2bn. Of course, there is upkeep and maintenance of the tunnel on top of this, which Riverlinx estimate will be £1bn over 25 years. Once this 25 year contract has ended, control of the tunnel will be handed over to Transport for London at no cost. TfL spent roughly £200m on the tunnel, but the rest come from Riverlinx.
Unfortunately, the method in which Riverlinx are recouping their investing has caused much controversy: tolls.
Toll Charges
For the first time since its opening, the same toll charges were also applied to the Blackwall Tunnel, which caused uproar with local residents and commuters alike. As the cost of living continues to slam people, many saw the introduction of toll charges as a further attack on those trying to earn a living.
Prices for both tunnels are:
- Cars and Small Vans: £4 peak, £1.50 off-peak
- Motorcycles: £2.50 peak, £1.50 off-peak
- Large Vans: £6.50 peak, £2.50 off peak
- Heavy Goods Vehicles: £10.00 peak, £5.00 off-peak
Toll charges apply from 06:00 to 22:00. Peak times are Monday to Friday 06:00-10:00 northbound and 16:00-19:00 southbound with all payments being made via TfL's Auto Pay system.
There are some exemptions/discounts that were introduced after significant complaints from local people and workers.
Residents living in 12 east London boroughs (Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest) that are on certain benefits may be eligible for 50% discount on both tunnels.
Small businesses, sole traders and charities may also be able to claim a £1 discount on off-peak travel. Blue badge holders can get a 100% discount and emergency service vehicles are exempt.
