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Londoners can get discounts on the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel toll charges – here’s who is eligible and how to apply

by DD Staff

January 30, 2025

Pic: Collected

key takeaways

London locals on low income will be able to travel through the tunnels for as little as 75p

The sub-Thames Silvertown Tunnel has been a contentious project since it was first revealed in 2012. However, it will formally open in April of this year, despite objections from residents and experts who claim it would worsen traffic and pollution (TfL claims it will have the opposite effect). When the tunnel opens, drivers will need to pay a toll in order to cross from one side to the other. Additionally, the nearby Blackwell Tunnel is being subject to a corresponding toll.

Although the fees have not pleased the locals, TfL has recently said that it will give a 50% discount to thousands of households in 13 boroughs. This implies that the fee will be 75p instead of £1.50 during off-peak hours and £2 instead of £4 during peak hours.

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.

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’.