South London Council Slams Silvertown Tunnel Tolls Ignored by TfL
Bexley Council criticizes TfL for ignoring concerns over new tunnel tolls
Bexley, London, Silvertown Tunnel, TfL, Tolls, Transport
London: A South London council is really upset about the new tolls for the Silvertown Tunnel. Bexley Council feels like they’ve been ignored by Transport for London (TfL) when it comes to their concerns about these charges.
Recently, TfL announced the final tolls that will kick in when the new tunnel opens on April 7. They’re offering a 50% discount for low-income drivers in 12 boroughs, which sounds good, but Bexley isn’t included in that deal.
Bexley Council wanted a proper look at how these charges would affect the local economy before they were set in stone. They’re worried that the new fees will hit small businesses hard, especially those that depend on vehicles.
Conservative Councillor Richard Diment didn’t hold back, calling it a “kick in the teeth” for residents and local businesses. He’s been pushing for better transport options in the area, but it seems like their voices aren’t being heard.
Last November, the council even suggested scrapping the charges for the Blackwall Tunnel altogether. The new tolls will apply every day from 6 am to 10 pm, which is a pretty big deal.
For cars and small vans, it’ll cost £1.50 during off-peak times and £4 during peak hours. Larger vehicles will pay even more. The peak hours are set for weekdays, which could really add up for commuters.
On the bright side, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that some services, like a cycle shuttle and three bus routes, will be free for at least a year after the tunnel opens. Plus, there will be free DLR travel on certain routes.
A TfL spokesperson mentioned that the tunnel is expected to cut journey times and help with air pollution. They believe that without these charges, traffic would get out of hand, leading to worse air quality.
They also pointed out that there will be discounts available for low-income residents, including those in Bexley. But for now, it seems like the council is still feeling left out of the conversation.