Silvertown Tunnel opens, with HGVs hit hardest

Following the opening of the tunnel in London, Logistics UK Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation Chris Yarsley says it will increase network resilience and make journey times more predictable, but feels the high toll charges penalise essential delivery vehicles who have no alternative means of servicing the capital.

“Logistics UK has consistently supported the Silvertown tunnel project since its inception and, now it is open, the tunnel will play a key part in London’s road infrastructure," says Yarsley.

“Road users have experienced significant bottlenecks at the Blackwall Tunnel and surrounding approach roads as there have been limited alternative routes to cross the Thames to the east of Tower Bridge.

"For HGVs, this was compounded by height issues at the Blackwall Tunnel which added additional time and cost to transport companies resulting in higher prices for London’s businesses, residents and visitors.

“The new tunnel at Silvertown will provide greater resilience for the capital’s road network and make journey times more predictable, but it is disappointing that the tolls for large vans and HGVs are significantly higher than those for small vans and private cars.

“Logistics UK recognises that road charges are necessary to fund new infrastructure, but larger vehicles do not have the option to switch to other modes of transport and essential delivery vehicles have little alternative option but to use the capital’s road network.  

“Industry ends up paying disproportionately more towards construction costs than private road users, and TfL should introduce a flat rate of tolls for fleet operators while offering discounts for zero emission vehicles, which would be more in line with the current London Congestion Charge scheme.”  

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said he was “very proud” to have built the £2.2bn Silvertown tunnel, the main porpose of which is to reduce congestion at the Blackwall tunnel.  

The opening of the mile-long twin-bore tunnel, which links North Greenwich with Canning Town and the Royal Docks, meant that tolls were imposed for the first time at the nearby Blackwall tunnel.

The first vehicles used the Silvertown tunnel at about 12.15am on Monday, when the southbound barriers were removed. The first northbound traffic entered the tunnel at 1.45am with tolling began at 6am/.

The peak rate for northbound traffic is expected to be between 6am and 10am on weekdays.

Tolls for HGVs are £10 peak time (Northbound 6am to 10am, southbound 4am to 7am).

Toll details by vehicle:

For more information click here.