Sadiq Khan’s new car tax could skyrocket congestion at Dartford Crossing - ‘Devastating!’

On average, 10 per cent of drivers who use the Blackwall tunnel currently travel from Kent with the council warning they would be drastically affected by new charges.

The proposed charges, combined with Ulez, could place an additional financial burden on Kent residents and businesses, the authority stated.

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Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It is vital that the introduction of charges does not lead to a continuous cycle of price increases at Dartford.”

While the council stated it supports Transport for London’s ambition to improve journey reliability and reduce air pollution, it argued that the potential impacts on traffic flows in the local area, and the financial burden on Kent residents and businesses, “has raised concerns”.

The council highlighted the potential negative impact on local businesses, particularly those serving areas north of the Thames.

In bigger concerns, the new charges could also ramp up congestion at the already busy Dartford Crossing during peak periods.

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Baker added: “I am deeply concerned about the potential for future price increases at the Silvertown, Blackwall and Dartford Crossings.

“It is vital that the introduction of charges does not lead to a continuous cycle of price increases at Dartford, followed by further increases at Silvertown and Blackwall, in an effort to maintain the price difference.

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

The proposed changes would see drivers charged a tax of £1.50 to use both the Blackwall tunnel and Silvertown tunnel when it opens in 2025 during standard off-peak hours.

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.

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.”

In response to the worry of increased congestion, the council has urged TfL to provide further information to assess the impact on traffic flows, especially during peak times.