Drivers in London – including those driving business vehicles – must pay a toll to use the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnels.
Silvertown Tunnel is the first new Thames tunnel for 58 years, which opened in east London on 7 April 2025. Mayor Sadiq Khan claims it will help with cross-river travel, while reducing congestion and air pollution.
Blackwall Tunnel, which runs adjacent to Silvertown Tunnel, opened in 1897 – but introduced a toll on 7 April 2025.
If you drive a business car, van, or HGV, keep reading to see what you’ll be charged – plus what to do if your business has a fleet of vehicles and a discount for small business owners.
Silvertown and Blackwell tunnel charges and charge times
While a new route through London may help business drivers avoid congestion – they’ll have to pay a toll when travelling between 6am and 10pm.
You’ll have the option to pay by Transport for London (TfL)’s Auto Pay, online, or over the phone. Failure to pay could result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, which is reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks.
| Standard off-peak charges using Auto Pay | Peak charges* using Auto Pay | Charges paid using other channels | |
| Motorcycle, moped, motor tricycle | £1.55 | £2.60 | £2.60 |
| Car and small van | £1.55 | £4.20 | £4.20 |
| Large van | £2.60 | £6.80 | £6.80 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles | £5.25 | £10.50 | £10.50 |
*Peak charges will apply Monday through Friday at the following times:
- 6am – 10am (northbound travel)
- 4pm – 7pm (southbound travel)
Off-peak charges apply at all other times between 6am and 10pm, and at weekends, but are only available to Auto Pay-registered customers.
Read more: London ULEZ expansion – ultimate guide for small businesses
Businesses with fleets of vehicles
TfL have advised businesses which regularly drive more than five vehicles within a charging zone (including Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels) to choose Fleet Auto Pay. This automatically bills you for the number of chargeable journeys your vehicle makes within TfL charging zones.
Signing up to Auto Pay means you won’t risk forgetting to pay for your journey, helping to avoid fines. It also lets you pay off-peak charges for travelling in those times – which isn’t available to those paying by other methods.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel toll exemptions
You may be exempt, or receive a discount, if you meet the following criteria:
- Blue Badge holders (who must apply online)
- TfL-licensed taxis
- emergency service vehicles
- some buses and coaches
- residents on low income and certain benefits in 12 east London boroughs and the City of London
Additionally, small businesses can get a £1 reduction on off-peak fares by registering online.
Also, Blackwall and Silvertown are ADR Category E tunnels, meaning the carriage of dangerous goods is prohibited.
More driving guides for small businesses
- Six new driving laws for 2026
- Vehicle Excise Duty – road tax changes 2026
- Mileage tax relief just jumped to 55p – what it means for the self-employed
- Fuel duty and VAT fuel charges: the latest news for drivers
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