Drivers hit with ‘kick in the teeth’ as new daily charge added to car tax in England

Key Points:

• New daily toll charges introduced for Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in East London.
• Bexley Council expresses concern over unfair charges for local residents and businesses.
• Peak and off-peak charges vary: £4 each way during peak hours, £1.50 during off-peak.
• Council urges residents to explore Auto Pay registration for reduced rates.
• Local frustration over traffic congestion blamed on roadworks and lack of public transport options.

The introduction of tolls for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels earlier this week has prompted strong reactions from drivers and local authorities in Bexley, East London. The new charges come on top of recent car tax increases introduced at the start of the month.

Why are drivers in Bexley concerned about these new charges?

Bexley Council has voiced its concerns over the potential financial strain on local residents and businesses. Councillor Richard Diment described the toll charges as a “real kick in the teeth” for Bexley residents, who have limited alternatives for crossing the River Thames due to the lack of modern public transport options. He called for a more comprehensive package of concessions for these affected areas, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the borough’s residents who must use the tunnels.

What is the cost for drivers during peak and off-peak hours?

The toll charges are structured around peak and off-peak travel times:

• Peak charges: £4 each way for drivers travelling northbound between 6 am and 10 am and southbound from 4 pm to 7 pm.
• Off-peak charges: A reduced rate of £1.50 each way applies for those travelling southbound from 6 am to 10 am and northbound from 4 pm to 7 pm, which totals £3 a day.

The peak times are designed to reduce congestion, but many drivers argue that the tolls do not reflect the ongoing issues created by years of roadworks in the area.

How can Bexley residents minimise their toll charges?

Bexley Council is advising residents to register for Auto Pay to reduce their daily toll payments. By registering, drivers can avail themselves of the off-peak rate, which can significantly lower the cost of travelling through the tunnels. Additionally, discounts are available for low-income residents, small businesses, charities, and sole traders.

What did local drivers say about the tolls and the ongoing roadworks?

Local drivers have expressed frustration over the toll charges, with some arguing that the traffic congestion was primarily caused by the roadworks initiated by Transport for London (TfL). One driver accused TfL of using the climate agenda as a cover for charging drivers more, while others questioned the fairness of the charges when road conditions remain poor. “There was no traffic before the Silvertown tunnel project started,” one driver said.

What was Bexley Council’s response to the consultation period?

During the consultation period, Bexley Council had asked for a thorough assessment of the potential economic impact of the toll charges before they were implemented. However, TfL moved forward with the charges with minimal alterations to the original proposals, leaving little benefit for Bexley residents.

As the tolls remain in place, the council continues to push for better concessions for its residents and small businesses, ensuring the fair treatment of those who have no other viable travel alternatives.