Silvertown Tunnel increases network resilience but it comes at a cost, says Logistics UK
Tuesday 08 April 2025
Following the opening of the Silvertown 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.
“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.
“Industry recognises that road charges are necessary to fund new infrastructure, but larger vehicles do not have the options 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.”
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
