Silvertown Tunnel opens but nonZEC private hire users face charges

The new Silvertown Tunnel Thames crossing has opened, giving drivers the promise of easier river crossings in East London. But users, including many private hire drivers, will face a toll between 06:00 and 22:00, seven days a week, to cross the river through both the new tunnel and the existing Blackwall tunnel in order to fund the development.

However, there are exemptions for black cabs, wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles and zero-emissions capable PHVs licensed by TfL (electric and plug-in hybrid) - which means around half of the current 100,000 PHV fleet will not have to pay to use either tunnel.

The Silvertown tunnel is almost 1 mile long and links Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula. Following a review by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan in 2016, the tunnel was revised to prioritise bus services, and one of the two lanes in each direction is a dedicated bus lane – accessible to black cabs but not PHVs.

TfL claims average journey time savings are expected to be up to 20 minutes at peak times. For at least 12 months, the new cross-river bus routes serving Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets: routes 108, 129 and the new Superloop 4, will also be free for pay as you go users. A cycle shuttle service has also been launched, operating every 12 minutes with a dedicated vehicle.

An off-peak rate of £1.50 will apply the majority of the time for vehicles registered for TfL Auto Pay. Peak charges of £4.00 for cars (£5.50 for large vans) will apply from 06:00 to 10:00 northbound in the morning and from 16:00 to 19:00 southbound in the evening. Peak charges apply at all times for drivers not registered with TfL Auto Pay.

Concessions and discounts are available, including a 50% for low-income residents in 12 east and southeast London boroughs and the City of London.