[title]
Ever since it was announced way back in 2012, the sub-Thames Silvertown Tunnel has been a controversial development. But, despite complaints from locals and experts that it would increase traffic and pollution (TfL says it’ll do the opposite), it’s officially opening in April this year. Once open, drivers will have to play a toll to get from one side of the tunnel to the other. And a matching toll is being applied to the nearby Blackwell Tunnel.
Locals aren’t too happy about the charges, but now TfL has announced that it’s offering thousands of residents across 13 boroughs a 50 percent discount. That means the levy will be £2 instead of £4 at peak times and 75p instead of £1.50 at off-peak times.
So, who qualifies? Here’s the lowdown.
Who is eligible for Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charge discounts?
To qualify for the discount, you need to live in Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or the City of London. You also have to be able to show that you’re in receipt of state benefits such as income support, universal credit, carer's allowance or housing benefit.
Make sure you register in advance. Applications opened on Wednesday, January 29 on the TfL website. The tolls come into place from April 7.
It’s also important to note that all drivers will also have to register in advance to get charged the cheaper off-peak rate, or you’ll get charged the full price of £4. You can do that via TfL’s AutoPay system. All the info on peak and off-peak times and charges can be found here.
You can also travel through the Silvertown Tunnel for free for an entire year if you hop on one of these three bus routes. And for all the cyclists out there, there’ll be a free ‘bike bus’.
The Silvertown Tunnel is one of 8 huge developments that will change London in 2025.
London’s Superloop 2 bus network could launch this year: here are the 10 potential routes.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.