Petition submitted to abolish Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges

A formal request, supported by over 37,000 signatories, advocating for the cancellation of planned charges on the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels, has been delivered to City Hall. Transport for London (TfL) disclosed on 26 November that charges of up to £4 would apply per trip through the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel and the adjacent Blackwall Tunnel. The Silvertown Tunnel, set to commence operations next spring, is designed to establish an additional road link beneath the River Thames, connecting Silvertown with the Greenwich Peninsula. According to TfL, these fees are “designed to manage levels of traffic using the tunnels”. A spokesperson for TfL further stated that the absence of tolls would lead to “traffic would increase in both tunnels causing delays and congestion, which contribute to poorer air quality”. TfL has indicated that following the opening of the new tunnel, both the new and the current tunnels will impose a peak-time fee of £4 per crossing for vehicles. During off-peak periods, the fee will be £1.50, and access to the tunnels will be complimentary overnight from 22:00 to 06:00. Additionally, the charges are intended to finance the tunnel’s £2bn construction expenses and contribute to its ongoing upkeep. Liam Davis, a resident of Blackheath, initiated the petition, urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to revoke the suggested fees. The petition asserts that the tolls “threaten to disrupt ordinary people’s way of life” and are expected to “hurt families, individuals, and businesses who depend on these routes”. Alex Wilson, a London Assembly member representing Reform UK, formally submitted the petition during a City Hall meeting held on Thursday. With over 37,300 signatures gathered, Mr Wilson declared it the largest petition ever brought before the assembly throughout its 24-year existence. He informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The Blackwall Tunnel has been free to use for over 100 years, and now it’s going to cost, depending on what time of day you go, up to £8 per day, if you go in both directions – and that’s another charge, tax, whatever you want to call it, on hard-working Londoners.” Mr Wilson additionally expressed concern that the tolls might encourage drivers to reroute towards the Rotherhithe Tunnel, which remains free of charge. The petition is slated to be forwarded to Mr Khan’s office, awaiting an official reply from the assembly. Mr Khan stated that TfL engaged extensively with local communities regarding the proposals. He commented, “There are massive concessions, which have been changed in light of the consultation.” “Once the tunnel opens, I’m hoping that those people who are concerned will have their concerns ameliorated by the concessions,” he added. Last week, TfL revealed a 50% reduction would be offered to low-income drivers residing in 12 boroughs across east and south-east London, as well as the City of London. Furthermore, a £1 reduction on the standard off-peak charge will be provided for a minimum of one year to small businesses, sole traders, and charities registered within Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Greenwich. Audiences can access content from BBC Radio London via Sounds and connect with BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding its policy on external linking is available.