Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges for couriers

If you work as a courier in East or South East London, the Blackwall Tunnel has likely been part of your daily routes for years. Since April 2025, however, crossing the Thames via Blackwall or the newly opened Silvertown Tunnel is no longer free during the day. A new toll system now applies to most vehicles, including courier vans. Understanding when charges apply, how much you need to pay and how to avoid penalties is essential for keeping delivery costs under control.

The key facts at a glance

• Both tunnels are charged daily between 06:00 and 22:00
• Prices depend on vehicle type, direction, time and payment method
• Off-peak rates only apply with TfL Auto Pay
• Unpaid journeys lead to high penalty charges
• Limited discounts and exemptions are available

When do couriers have to pay Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges?

Couriers must pay tunnel charges every day between 06:00 and 22:00. The only exception is Christmas Day, when both tunnels are free to use.

Where the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are located

The Blackwall Tunnel has been operating since 1897 and remains one of London’s busiest river crossings. It connects Tower Hamlets on the north side of the Thames with Greenwich in the south and handles around 100,000 vehicles every day. For couriers delivering between Canary Wharf, Greenwich and South London, it is a key route.

The Silvertown Tunnel lies just east of Blackwall and opened in April 2025. It was built to reduce congestion and provide a second option between Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula. For time-critical jobs, especially around the O2 Arena, it offers valuable route flexibility.

When Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges apply

Since April 2025, charges apply every day from 06:00 to 22:00, including weekends and bank holidays. The only day without charges is Christmas Day. Outside these hours, both tunnels can be used free of charge.

This makes them particularly useful for overnight courier work or early morning returns. However, any crossing during chargeable hours is automatically recorded, so accurate planning is essential.

Peak and off-peak charging times explained

Tunnel charges vary depending on direction and time of day. Peak hours apply on weekdays only. Northbound travel into East London is charged at peak rates between 06:00 and 10:00. Southbound travel towards South London is charged at peak rates between 16:00 and 19:00.

All other times between 06:00 and 22:00, including weekends and bank holidays, are classed as off-peak. The important detail for couriers is that off-peak prices only apply if you are registered for TfL Auto Pay. Without Auto Pay, every journey is charged at the higher peak rate.

How much the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charge costs

The cost of each crossing depends on your vehicle type and how you pay. Most self-employed couriers using standard vans fall under the “car or small van” category.

Vehicle type	Off-peak (Auto Pay)	Peak (Auto Pay)	Manual payment
Car or small van	£1.50	£4.00	£4.00
Motorcycle	£1.50	£2.50	£2.50
Large van	£2.50	£6.50	£6.50
HGV	£5.00	£10.00	£10.00

There is no daily cap. Each crossing is charged separately, even if you use the tunnel multiple times in one day. Charges apply in both directions and to both tunnels.

How to pay and why Auto Pay matters

The cheapest and most reliable option is TfL Auto Pay. Your vehicle registration is linked to your account, and charges are billed automatically. This ensures you always pay the correct rate and qualify for off-peak discounts. Monthly statements also make accounting easier.

Manual payments are possible via the TfL website, the Pay to Drive in London app or TfL’s automated phone service. However, manual payments are always charged at the peak rate, regardless of the time you travel. This applies equally to the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.

Penalties, enforcement and ANPR monitoring

If you fail to pay within three days, TfL issues a £180 Penalty Charge Notice. This is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Both tunnels use automatic number plate recognition. Every vehicle is logged, and there is no way to avoid detection. Only one penalty per vehicle per day is issued, but repeated days of non-payment can become expensive very quickly.

Late or repeated penalties may also affect your reputation on courier platforms that prioritise compliance and reliability.

Discounts, exemptions and support schemes

Certain vehicles are exempt from tunnel charges. These include licensed buses, emergency service vehicles, exempt taxis and registered zero-emission private hire vehicles.

Residents of nearby boroughs such as Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Newham may qualify for a 50% off-peak discount. Auto Pay registration, proof of address and vehicle registration are required.

TfL also offers reimbursement schemes for NHS staff and patients. Drivers receiving income-based benefits may be eligible for reduced rates. Small businesses and sole traders can receive a £1 off-peak discount for up to three vehicles.

Tips and alternative routes for couriers

Setting up Auto Pay is the most effective way to reduce costs. Planning jobs to avoid weekday peak hours also makes a significant difference. Grouping deliveries by area can reduce the number of tunnel crossings needed each day.

If you want to avoid tunnel charges entirely, the Woolwich Ferry is free and operates Monday to Saturday, although queues can be long. The Rotherhithe Tunnel is unsuitable for most vans due to strict height, width and weight limits. Central crossings such as Tower Bridge are usually impractical for courier work because of congestion charges.

Conclusion

Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges are now a permanent consideration for couriers operating in East London. By understanding charge times, using Auto Pay and planning routes carefully, drivers can keep costs predictable and avoid penalties. With the right approach, both tunnels remain valuable tools rather than expensive obstacles.