Blackwall Tunnel
Blackwall Tunnel
The Blackwall Tunnel carries the A102 under the Thames in east London, in two bores. Here is what Transport for London reports at the tunnel now, the height limits that cause most closures, and the charge to use it.
No closures reported at the Blackwall Tunnel right now
Covers the A102 Blackwall Tunnel and its approaches. Checked at 16:21, from official sources.
Now 0
Height limits
| Tunnel | Height limit |
|---|---|
| Blackwall, northbound (the older bore) | 4.0 m (13ft 0in) |
| Blackwall, southbound | 4.72 m (15ft 6in) |
| Silvertown | 5.03 m |
Dangerous goods are banned in both tunnels. Transport for London.
Over-height vehicles stopped at the northbound entrance are the most common reason the tunnel closes: historically about seven closures in ten. Lorries and coaches too tall for Blackwall can use the Silvertown Tunnel, which has its own lane for buses, coaches and HGVs.
The charge
Since the Silvertown Tunnel opened in April 2025, both tunnels are charged from 6am to 10pm, every day. Prices rose on 21 September 2026.
| Car or small van | Charge |
|---|---|
| Peak: Mon to Fri, northbound 6am to 10am, southbound 4pm to 7pm | £4.20 |
| Off-peak, with TfL Auto Pay | £1.55 |
| 10pm to 6am | Free |
Without Auto Pay, the peak rate applies at all times. Pay by midnight on the third day after crossing. The penalty is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Blue Badge holders, vehicles in the disabled tax class, licensed taxis and emergency vehicles are exempt; low-income residents of some east London boroughs get a 50% discount.
Questions
- Is the Blackwall Tunnel open today?
- No closure is reported at the Blackwall Tunnel right now. This page is refreshed every minute from the official sources.
- How much is the Blackwall Tunnel charge?
- For a car, £4.20 at peak times (weekdays, northbound 6am to 10am, southbound 4pm to 7pm) and £1.55 off-peak with TfL Auto Pay, from 21 September 2026. Without Auto Pay the peak rate applies all day. It is free from 10pm to 6am.
- Why does the Blackwall Tunnel close so often?
- Mostly because of over-height vehicles at the northbound bore, which has a 4.0 m limit. Breakdowns inside the tunnel close it too.
See also
Sources
- River crossing restrictions· Transport for London
- Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels: business leaflet· Transport for London
- Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charge increase· Carwow
Facts checked on .