From 7 April, drivers in London – including those driving business vehicles – will have to pay a toll to use the Silvertown or Blackwall tunnels.
Silvertown Tunnel is the first new Thames tunnel for 58 years, opening in east London on 7 April 2025. Mayor Sadiq Khan claims it will help with cross-river travel, while reducing congestion and air pollution.
Blackwell Tunnel, which runs adjacent to Silvertown Tunnel, opened in 1897 – but only introduced a toll this year.
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 fine of £180.
| Standard off-peak charges using Auto Pay | Peak charges* using Auto Pay | Charges paid using other channels | |
| Motorcycle, moped, motor tricycle | £1.50 | £2.50 | £2.50 |
| Car and small van | £1.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Large van | £2.50 | £6.50 | £6.50 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles | £5.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
*Peak charges will apply Monday through Friday at the following times:
- 6am – 10am (northbound travel)
- 4pm – 7pm (southbound travel)
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 the Congestion Charge zone.
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
- black cab drivers
- residents on low income in 12 east London boroughs
Additionally, small businesses can get a £1 reduction on off-peak fares by registering online.
More driving guides for small businesses
- Six new driving laws for 2025
- Car tax changes 2025 – a guide for commercial vehicles
- Vehicle Excise Duty – road tax changes 2025
- Advisory fuel rates – 2025 changes for small businesses
- Business van insurance
Ready to set up your cover?
As one of the UK’s biggest business insurance providers, we specialise in public liability insurance and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?