The Silvertown Tunnel officially opened to motorists on Monday, marking the first new road crossing under the Thames in 58 years.

Drivers are subject to tolls of up to £4 for peak crossings, implemented to manage traffic in an area long known for its congestion.

The £2.2 billion project aims to connect North Greenwich with Canning Town and the Royal Docks, alleviating pressure on the nearby Blackwall Tunnel, which has also introduced tolls for the first time in a century.

The initial vehicles entered the Silvertown Tunnel shortly after midnight, with toll collection commencing at 6 am.

The peak toll for northbound traffic runs from 6 am to 10 am on weekdays, costing £4, while drivers can benefit from an off-peak rate of £1.50 if they register for Transport for London’s (TfL) AutoPay scheme.

The tolls will be enforced every day from 6 am to 10 pm, with additional peak times in the opposite direction from 4 pm to 7 pm.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan expressed pride in the project and credited former Mayor Boris Johnson, who first proposed the tunnel.

Khan noted improvements to the original plans, including provisions for cyclists and pedestrians and the operation of 21 zero-emission buses an hour through both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.

However, he refrained from commenting on whether a grace period would be allowed for drivers unfamiliar with the new tolls, urging prompt registration for AutoPay to avoid fines.

Potential changes in traffic patterns due to the introduction of tolls are being monitored, particularly the response from drivers who may divert to the free Rotherhithe Tunnel or Tower Bridge.

The full impact of the tolling system on traffic flow will not be fully understood for several weeks, as school holidays are expected to affect vehicle numbers.

The tunnel operates under a 25-year Public Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme aimed at reducing congestion within the area, which has seen heavy traffic in recent years.

Built by the Riverlinx consortium, the tunnel includes a bus lane in each of its two bores, permitting some heavy goods vehicles and taxis to share this space.

Two bus routes, including the newly introduced SL4 Superloop service, will connect through the tunnel.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for increased heavy goods vehicle traffic in East and South-East London, particularly at night when tolls do not apply between 10 pm and 6 am.

Advocates for increased sustainable transport options have argued that the presence of diesel trucks could undermine public health benefits in the surrounding areas and could negate congestion reduction efforts.

An emerging coalition against the tunnel has called for its repurposing to prioritize active travel methods, including cycling and public transport.

Several stakeholders, including Transport for London, have stated intentions to monitor air quality continuously despite conflicting views on congestion impacts.

Low-income residents in specified boroughs may be eligible for a 50% discount on tolls, while small businesses and charities operating in Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets can benefit from reduced peak rates.

TfL forecasts that the new tunnel will allow for journey time reductions of up to 20 minutes during peak hours.

Supporters of the investment hail it as a catalyst for improved connectivity in the region, with statements from business leaders highlighting the opportunity for enhanced transportation links in and around Canary Wharf.

The long-term profitability of the venture is still uncertain, with TfL not predicting a financial surplus until the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Informed discussions regarding air quality management and future urban infrastructure needs are expected to continue as London adapts to the new transit landscape marked by the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel.