Drivers hit by 7-day warning as new £4 ULEZ-style charge to hit London motorists
Drivers have been advised that there is only a week to go until TfL's charge of up to £4 per car to use the Blackwall tunnel gets the green light.
There is only one week to go until Transport for London's (TfL) proposed tax on two tunnels in the capital is approved.
If the tax goes ahead, drivers will need to pay up to £4 to use the Blackwall tunnel or the upcoming Silvertown tunnel, which is due to open during 2024.
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, highlighted that the charge will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
She explained: "The Silvertown Tunnel is now less than a year away from opening and we are sharing our user charging scheme, so Londoners can have their say on the proposed charge levels and wide range of discounts and exemptions.
"Without introducing tunnel user charges for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, there would likely be high levels of traffic and congestion, which would lead to detrimental air quality impacts, as well as longer journey times."
Due to be rolled out in early 2025, the introduction of the charge will be the first time that users of the Blackwall Tunnel will need to pay since it opened in 1897.
TfL has previously stated that the charge will help to fund the construction of the Silvertown tunnel, which will span between Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula.
However, the charge has caused controversy from motorists in the capital, with some likening the move to the roll out of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) across the region.
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Christina encouraged drivers in London that the fees proposed by TfL are designed to be fair to private motorists and businesses alike.
She added: "The proposed package of supporting measures aims to ensure the scheme is green and fair for Londoners and businesses.
"These measures will ensure that the new tunnel delivers on its objectives of reducing congestion and providing resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel, while ensuring we support local residents on low income, small businesses, sole traders and local charities."
Motorists using a car or small van will need to pay £4 to use either tunnel during peak times, with off-peak drivers needing to pay £1.50.
Those using a motorcycle will only need to pay £2.50 at peak times, whereas those in large vans may need to pay up to £13.
Nevertheless, TfL has reassured drivers of vehicles with more than eight seats or those with a blue badge or wheelchair-accessible vehicle will not have to pay.
