The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels are critical components of London's transport network, connecting east and southeast London beneath the River Thames.
With tens of thousands of drivers relying on these crossings daily, it is vital to understand how the toll system works, how peak pricing impacts your journey and what happens if you forget to pay.
What Are the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels?
The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels span the River Thames in East London, serving as key arterial links. They consist of:
- Blackwall Tunnel: Comprising a historic northbound bore (opened in 1897 with a strict 4m height restriction) and a newer southbound bore (opened in 1967).
- Silvertown Tunnel: London's newest twin-bore tunnel, which opened in April 2025, runs between Silvertown (Newham) and the Greenwich Peninsula to relieve chronic congestion at the neighbouring Blackwall Tunnel.