To: Mayor of London
Stop Unfair Charges for Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels
We, the undersigned, urgently call on Transport for London (TfL), the Mayor of London, and the UK Government to scrap plans to impose charges on the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels and to reconsider this unfair policy that will disproportionately harm working families, small businesses, and communities in East and Southeast London.
Why is this important?
The proposed tolls for the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel will place an unacceptable financial burden on thousands of Londoners who rely on these vital river crossings daily. At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is already squeezing households, these charges will:
1. Punish Low- and Middle-Income Earners: Many key workers, carers, and commuters have no viable public transport alternatives for their journeys. Forcing them to pay daily tolls is a regressive tax that will deepen inequality.
2. Damage Local Businesses: Small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery drivers operating across the river will face higher operational costs, which could lead to job losses or price hikes for consumers.
3. Increase Congestion and Pollution Elsewhere: Drivers unable or unwilling to pay the tolls will divert through residential areas like Greenwich, Poplar, and Canning Town, worsening air quality and road safety for families and schools.
4. Fail to Address Root Causes: Tolling is not a solution to congestion. Instead, investment in affordable, reliable public transport and infrastructure upgrades (e.g., extending the DLR or improving rail links) should be prioritised.
The Silvertown Tunnel was supposed to “ease congestion”—not become a profit-making scheme
The Silvertown Tunnel project was justified as a way to reduce traffic at the Blackwall Tunnel. However, slapping tolls on both crossings feels like a betrayal, turning essential infrastructure into a revenue generator at the expense of everyday Londoners
We demand:
- mmediate cancellation of all tolls for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
- Transparent funding alternatives** for the Silvertown Tunnel, such as reallocating funds from central government or fairer taxation of large corporations.
- Investment in sustainable transport solutions to reduce reliance on cars without penalizing those who have no choice.
Sign now to protect our communities!
By signing this petition, you stand with residents, workers, and businesses across London in rejecting these unjust charges. Share widely to ensure our voices are heard!
1. Punish Low- and Middle-Income Earners: Many key workers, carers, and commuters have no viable public transport alternatives for their journeys. Forcing them to pay daily tolls is a regressive tax that will deepen inequality.
2. Damage Local Businesses: Small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery drivers operating across the river will face higher operational costs, which could lead to job losses or price hikes for consumers.
3. Increase Congestion and Pollution Elsewhere: Drivers unable or unwilling to pay the tolls will divert through residential areas like Greenwich, Poplar, and Canning Town, worsening air quality and road safety for families and schools.
4. Fail to Address Root Causes: Tolling is not a solution to congestion. Instead, investment in affordable, reliable public transport and infrastructure upgrades (e.g., extending the DLR or improving rail links) should be prioritised.
The Silvertown Tunnel was supposed to “ease congestion”—not become a profit-making scheme
The Silvertown Tunnel project was justified as a way to reduce traffic at the Blackwall Tunnel. However, slapping tolls on both crossings feels like a betrayal, turning essential infrastructure into a revenue generator at the expense of everyday Londoners
We demand:
- mmediate cancellation of all tolls for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
- Transparent funding alternatives** for the Silvertown Tunnel, such as reallocating funds from central government or fairer taxation of large corporations.
- Investment in sustainable transport solutions to reduce reliance on cars without penalizing those who have no choice.
Sign now to protect our communities!
By signing this petition, you stand with residents, workers, and businesses across London in rejecting these unjust charges. Share widely to ensure our voices are heard!
