Hemma Visavadia
Guest Reporter
Reform UK has presented the largest ever petition to the London Assembly, opposing planned charges for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
The petition, which gathered 3,775 signatures, called on the Mayor of London and Transport for London to scrap all proposed charges for both tunnels when they come into effect in spring 2025.
A separate Change.org petition has also attracted over 37,000 signatures, demonstrating widespread public concern about the upcoming charges.
The petitions come as TfL prepares to implement user charges at both tunnels following the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel next year, with peak-time car journeys costing up to £4.
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The Reform UK petition was presented today by Assembly Member Alex Wilson who argued that the charges will “unfairly burden” East London residents and commuters, with the potential to cost up to £160 per month for regular tunnel users.
"The tolls announced in July threaten to disrupt ordinary peoples' way of life," states the petition. "An imposed toll system would hurt families, individuals, and businesses who depend on these routes."
The petition highlighted that approximately 120,000 vehicles travel through these tunnels daily, demonstrating the scale of impact on local communities.
The Change.org petition raises similar concerns about geographic inequality, noting that West London crossings remain free while East London residents face new charges.
Both petitions emphasise the timing of the announcement, which came shortly after recent elections, questioning the transparency of the consultation process.
TfL's proposed charging structure will see drivers paying between £1.50 and £4 for cars during charging hours of 6am to 10pm, with higher rates during peak times.
Peak charges will apply northbound from 6am to 10am and southbound from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays, with cars paying £4 during these times.
Motorcycles will pay £1.50 off-peak and £2.50 at peak times, while HGVs face charges of up to £10 during peak hours.
But TfL has proposed various discounts, including a 50 per cent reduction for low-income residents in 13 East London boroughs and a £1 discount for small businesses during off-peak times.
However, the petitioners suggest several alternatives to TfL's current proposals, including implementing uniform tolls across all Thames crossings to ensure fairness between East and West London.
Both petitions argue for a review of the Silvertown Tunnel funding proposals to find what they term "a fairer system for all Londoners". The petitioners also call for greater transparency in how toll revenue would be used and whether charges would cease once construction costs are recovered.
"The primary purpose of the user charges is to manage traffic demand for the river crossings," stated TfL in their consultation report. "A secondary reason is to provide a means of helping to pay for the design, construction and operation of the new tunnel."
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To support the transition, TfL said it will offer free cross-river bus travel for at least one year when the tunnel opens, with 21 zero-emission buses per hour crossing at peak times.
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