London Borough of Bexley is opposed to the Mayor’s proposals to introduce charges for drivers to use the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. It fears the charges would help create a ‘two-tier City’ and is lobbying for greater parity with west London where there are currently no charges to cross the river.

If charges are to be applied the Council is insisting that a more comprehensive package of concessions and improvements are offered including extending the area of coverage for resident discounts to adjacent boroughs such as Bexley and being clearer about how long they will be in place.

Greater public transport quality and choice is also seen as an essential issue particularly for cross river journeys. Bexley has long sought enhanced investment as low connectivity is seen as a major barrier to growth and the main cause of high car reliance in the Borough.

The Councils transport ask is well documented and incorporates new strategic links - such as an Elizabeth Line extension eastward from Abbey Wood and DLR extension to Belvedere - as well as intermediate and local connections such as rapid bus, cycling and walking routes. The Silvertown proposals lack any meaningful response to this position.

Cllr Richard Diment, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:

We are very concerned at the proposals as currently set out. We need more information from TfL and a broader commitment on public transport investment.

"As things currently stand, it looks like the interests of Bexley’s residents have once again been ignored by TfL. Londoners on the east side of the City should have parity with west London when it comes to crossing the Thames, while our transport ask is clear and critical to encouraging a shift from car to public transport for journeys to and from work.”

The Council is also asking for further technical information on the proposals such as traffic modelling, how the charges and associated discounts have been calculated and how the impact of the tunnel will be monitored over coming years. In the absence of this key information it maintains that a full and informed response cannot be provided.

You can read more about the charging proposals on the TfL website.