Ahead of the Council’s Transport subcommittee meeting on 15 January 2025, London Borough of Bexley has expressed concern that TFL have failed to address the issues it raised over the introduction of the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel charges.

During the consultation period the Council had asked for a thorough assessment of the economic consequences prior to any charges being finalised however at their December board meeting TFL approved the charges, with few changes to their original proposals, and with very little benefit to Bexley.

With discounts only available to those on low incomes and the £1 discount to local businesses not extended to cover Bexley, the charges will put further pressure on household finances and an extra burden on Bexley’s small businesses which are particularly reliant on cars and vans.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Councillor Richard Diment said:

This is another kick in the teeth for our residents and small businesses. We need a more comprehensive package of concessions and for the area of coverage for resident discounts to be extended to Bexley given the lack of modern public transport links serving the borough.

We have long been campaigning for better transport links and for a broader commitment on public transport investment but this has once again been ignored”

TFL will introduce charges for drivers to use the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels from 7 April 2025. An off-peak charge of £1.50 for cars, motorbikes and small vans (£4 during the peak period) when paying by Auto Pay will apply. Large vans will be charged £2.50 during off-peak times and £6.50 in peak times, and HGVs will be charged £5 in off-peak times and £10 in peak hours when paying by Auto Pay.