Sadiq Khan's new car tax set for green light in less than a week

Transport For London had previously announced the charges earlier in July but stated that there would be no charge at any time for taxis and blue badge holders.

Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles registered with TfL and DVLA-registered minibuses, buses and coaches would also be exempt.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The proposed charges to the tunnels would apply from 6am until 10pm seven days a week. Peak charges are £1 more than standard off-peak charges for motorbikes and an extra £2.50 for cars and small vans.

These peak charges would apply for four hours northbound in the morning (from 6am to 10am) and three hours southbound in the evening (from 4pm to 7pm) Monday to Friday.

But these proposed plans require input from drivers who will only have until Tuesday, September 3 to give feedback before TfL makes its decision.

The Silvertown tunnel will open in 2025 and aims to help reduce congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys in east London, including new public transport connections.

In preparation for the tunnel opening, TfL are calling on drivers to share their thoughts on the proposed charge levels, and proposed discounts and exemptions for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said at the time: "Local residents and business owners currently face chronic congestion and pollution in the area around the Blackwall Tunnel.

“When it opens in 2025, the long-planned new Silvertown tunnel will help deliver quicker, more reliable journeys in east London by easing congestion and making journeys up to 20 minutes faster.

"TfL is launching this consultation to get feedback from residents and businesses on the proposals. I encourage Londoners in the area to get involved and have their say."

TfL also proposed a range of discounts for drivers, this includes a 50 per cent discount for low-income drivers living in east London.

Also included would be a £1 discount on the standard off-peak charge for small businesses and charities in the nearby boroughs (RB Greenwich, LB Newham and LB Tower Hamlets).

Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, added: "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.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Local authority makes major changes to UK car parks in snub for petrol and diesel cars
• Drivers slapped with unfair fines worth millions of pounds amid new traffic laws
• Ford faces car production chaos as it 'suspends operations' at UK factory after finding asbestos

She said these measures will ensure the new tunnel delivers its objectives of reducing congestion and providing resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel.

It will also help ensure TfL supports local residents on low income, small businesses, sole traders and local charities.