If you're travelling through or near East London, you’ve likely heard about the upcoming opening of the Silvertown Tunnel and the reconfiguration of the Blackwall Tunnel charge. Both tunnels will soon operate under a new tolling system designed to manage congestion and fund infrastructure improvements.
Whether you’re commuting from Hendon, heading to the airport from Kenton, or visiting family in Peckham, understanding these toll charges is essential for budgeting your journey—especially if you rely on private hire vehicles like those offered by Taxi Bushey.
What Are the Blackwall & Silvertown Tunnel Toll Charges?
Starting in 2025, both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels charge will implement a £4 per crossing toll for most vehicles during operational hours (6am–10pm). Outside these hours, the toll is reduced to £2.
This applies to cars, taxis, private hire vehicles (PHVs), vans, and motorcycles. Larger vehicles such as lorries and buses will face higher charges.
Importantly, if you use both tunnels in a single day, you’ll only be charged once—thanks to a “one toll per day” policy introduced by Transport for London (TfL).
Who Is Exempt or Eligible for Discounts?
- Zero-emission vehicles (e.g., fully electric cars and taxis) are exempt from tolls until at least 2025.
- Residents of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets may qualify for a 90% discount (subject to eligibility and registration).
- Blue Badge holders using eligible vehicles may receive exemptions—check TfL’s official portal for details.
- Emergency service vehicles and certain TfL-operated transport are fully exempt.
What Are the Expected Tunnel Charges?
As confirmed by Transport for London (TfL), the standard toll for most vehicles—including cars, private hire vehicles (like those from Taxi Bushey), and motorcycles—will be:
- £4 per crossing between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM
- £2 per crossing between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM
- One toll per day—even if you use both Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels on the same calendar day
These charges are expected to take effect when the Silvertown Tunnel opens in early 2025. The Blackwall Tunnel will simultaneously switch to a two-way toll system (currently free for northbound traffic).
How to Pay Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel Charges
Payment is fully automated and works similarly to the Congestion Charge or ULEZ:
- Cameras capture your vehicle’s number plate as you pass through the tunnel.
- If your vehicle isn’t exempt, TfL will send a payment notice to the registered keeper’s address.
- You can pay online via the official TfL website, by phone, or at selected retail outlets.
- Payment must be made by midnight on the third day after travel to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Tip: If you’re booking a minicab from Taxi Bushey, rest assured—any applicable tolls are included transparently in your fixed fare. No surprise charges!
How Will This Affect Your Local Journeys?
For residents and visitors in Northwest London—including Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, and Queensbury these tolls may influence travel routes to airports or East London destinations.
For example, a trip from Kingsbury to Heathrow Airport typically avoids these tunnels. But a journey from Southgate to Canary Wharf might now incur a £4 surcharge if routed through Blackwall.
At Taxi Bushey, we proactively plan routes to avoid unnecessary tolls—saving you money without compromising speed or comfort.
Travel Smart with Taxi Bushey
As a trusted local minicab service serving Bushey, Cricklewood, Colindale, and beyond, we understand how new tolls impact your travel costs.
That’s why every booking with us includes:
- ✅ Fixed, upfront fares—no hidden toll surprises
- ✅ Real-time route optimisation to avoid unnecessary charges
- ✅ DBS-cleared, experienced drivers familiar with London’s evolving road network
- ✅ 10% off your first ride + regular promotions (use code LP5 for 5% off airport transfers)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my Taxi Bushey ride include the tunnel toll?
Yes. All fares are fixed and inclusive of any applicable tolls, so you’ll never face unexpected charges.
Are electric taxis exempt?
Yes—zero-emission vehicles (including electric minicabs) are exempt from tolls until at least December 2025.
Do I pay twice if I use both tunnels in one day?
No. TfL applies a “one toll per day” rule—so even if you cross both tunnels, you’ll only be charged once.
Can I avoid the tolls?
Yes. Our drivers use smart routing to avoid tolls unless absolutely necessary for time or safety—especially on trips from areas like Wembley or Edgware.