Council's concerns over suggested tunnel charges

Transport for London hopes the new Silverwood Tunnel will ease congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel

Concerns have been raised by a county council over suggested charges at the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in London.

Kent County Council (KCC) said the proposed charges could impact on the county's traffic, including at the Dartford Crossing.

The council said although it supported TfL's ambition to improve journey reliability and reduce air pollution, it believed the proposed changes could "significantly affect" drivers from Kent.

TfL's director of strategy Christina Calderato said measures would be in place to ensure the new Silvertown Tunnel reduced congestion, provided resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel.

'Deeply concerned'

KCC was responding to Transport for London's (TfL) consultation on the suggested changes to flag the potential impact on traffic, including at the Dartford Crossing, as well as on residents' and businesses' finances.

The council says Kent drivers make up 10% of the Blackwall Tunnel's users.

KCC's cabinet member for highways and transport, Neil Baker, said he was "deeply concerned" about the potential charges.

He said it was "vital" charges would not lead to a "continuous cycle of price increases" at the Dartford, Silvertown and Blackwall crossings to maintain the price difference.

"This would be devastating for the Kent economy, and the financial impact on Kent residents would be unacceptable.”

KCC said it had "emphasised the need for a thorough assessment of the economic consequences" before finalising the charges.

TfL is assessing responses ahead of presenting its recommendation for the final proposed charges, discounts and exemptions.

A standard off-peak rate of £1.50 for cars, motorbikes and small vans has been suggested for vehicles registered for TfL AutoPay.

It is proposed that peak charges will be £1 more for motorbikes and an extra £2.50 for cars and small vans.