Transport for London (TfL) has set out what it calls a ‘green and fair’ package of proposed charges for the users of two tunnels under the Thames.
However, mayor Sadiq Khan has backtracked on a pledge to ensure that charges ‘encourage the take-up of the cleanest vehicles’.
When the Silvertown Tunnel opens in spring 2025, user charges will be introduced for both the new tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week.
The charges are required as part of the development consent order (DCO) for the new tunnel and TfL has said they will be set at a level that ensures that carbon emissions do not increase as a result of additional traffic.
However, modelling for TfL’s DCO application forecast that the scheme would increase traffic and associated carbon emissions.
Under proposals in a TfL consultation, cars and small vans registered for TfL’s AutoPay system would pay £1.50 off peak and £4 during peak times, irrespective of their emissions. Customers who pay via other channels would pay peak charges at all times.
There would be a variety of discounts, including a 50% discount for east London low-income residents and taxis, blue badge holders, wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles (PHVs) registered with TfL and ‘Zero-Emission Capable’ PHVs licensed by TfL would be exempt.
However, TfL confirmed to Transport Network that there would be not be any discount for private low emission, ultra low emission or zero emission vehicles.
A spokesperson said: ‘Like all vehicles, low or zero emission vehicles contribute to congestion. Higher numbers of these vehicles mean, if discounted, the scheme benefits would be lower and could be eroded over time.’
In May 2016, shortly after he was first elected, Mr Khan told the Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell: ‘I am determined to be sure that any user charges for the Silvertown Tunnel are fair and also encourage the take-up of the cleanest vehicles.’
As Transport Network reported, prior to his election Mr Khan was critical of plans to toll the two tunnels, saying they could be seen as ‘a tax on East and South East Londoners’.
Announcing the proposed charges on Wednesday, Mr Khan said: ‘The Silvertown Tunnel scheme has been years in the making, first developed back 2012.
'Since I become Mayor in 2016, we have worked to improve it, adding discounts for low-income residents and local businesses, new bus services, a bespoke cycle shuttle service and free cross-river bus and DLR transport for at least the first year.’
Ms Russell told Transport Network: ‘The mayor’s goal is for 80% of journeys in London to be taken by walking, cycling and public transport, to reduce traffic congestion, cut air pollution and help meet his net zero carbon targets.
'To do this, he should be pouring everything he can into public transport options that can carry Londoners across their city without using private cars. Instead, he has built a tunnel, then tried to relieve that new tunnel's congestion with tolling, rather than addressing the actual problem: cars.
'I would encourage every Londoner to question why this new tunnel cannot instead be filled with the new buses, bike lanes, and DLR extensions the Mayor has failed to deliver at the level required over the last eight years.’
TfL said construction work on the main tunnel is now largely complete, and the Tidal Basin Roundabout now ‘almost fully reconfigured’.
It added: ‘Following good progress in recent months, the tunnel is expected to open in spring 2025, but important work is still required to ensure all the new safety systems within the tunnel are working, as well as completing landscaping and new walking and cycling routes near the tunnel portals.’
