On Wednesday 10 July Transport for London launched a public consultation on proposed user charge levels for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. The consultation is open until Monday 2 September. Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham, Margaret Mullane has commented on the proposals and is urging her constituents to make their voice heard.
Margaret Mullane MP said: “I am urging all residents who use the Blackwall Tunnel to have their say in this consultation. I understand that there could be a case to introduce a toll system for the new Silvertown Tunnel in order to cover the cost of construction. However, I am baffled as to why this needs to be extended to the Blackwall Tunnel which was constructed in 1897. I will be raising my concerns with TfL in the coming weeks and will push for the proposed charge to be dropped from the Blackwall Tunnel.”
Have your say here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/tc-yourview
The proposed standard off-peak rate is £1.50 for cars, motorbikes and small vans. To manage traffic during the busiest times, peak charges will apply. Peak charges are £1 more than standard off-peak charges for motorbikes and an extra £2.50 for cars and small vans.
Exemptions would apply for taxis and blue badge holders, zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles registered with TfL and DVLA-registered minibuses and coaches, as well as staff and patients eligible for the NHS reimbursement scheme.
To support residents and businesses, a package of concessions and discounts is proposed, including a 50 per cent discount for people on low incomes across east and south-east London and £1 discount on the standard off-peak charge for small businesses, sole traders and charities registered in host boroughs for at least one year.
Margaret added: “The proposed exemptions are welcome, particularly for low-income workers in East London, yet I have concerns that these will only be for workers claiming some form of benefit. There are many working in trades, zero-hours contracts, struggling to make ends meet, who will not be eligible for the 50% discount.
“My big concern is the impact this will have on working people in places like Dagenham and Rainham, who rely on their vehicle for work. Even with the proposed discounts, on top of the ULEZ and Congestion Charges people could be up to £35.50 out of pocket after a day’s work. It is so important that all those who rely on a route through the Blackwall Tunnel for work have their say in this consultation.”
Have your say here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/tc-yourview
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