Tolls on Blackwall Tunnel to fund new route?
Transport for London has launched the second phase of its consultation on building two new river crossings including the Silvertown Tunnel. As part of the proposals TfL said money for the schemes could be raised from tolling users.
Responding to the consultation David Quarmby, chairman of the RAC Foundation, said:
“We have a problem. The Blackwall Tunnel is already the second most congested spot on Britain’s road network and with the population of London set to top nine million by 2020, the situation will only get worse unless the Silvertown Tunnel is built.
“A new link would benefit drivers and the economy of East London and there is a strong case for funding it from tolls. These charges will help manage future demand locking in the benefits of the new capacity.
“Any money collected from the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels needs to be ring fenced to pay for the routes, with any surplus going towards further road enhancement and provision in the capital.”
In its consultation TfL said:
“We believe that the most appropriate way to fund the projects would be to charge a toll for using the Silvertown Tunnel and any new crossing linking Thamesmead and Beckton.
“As well as helping to fund the new infrastructure, we believe that tolling would be necessary to manage traffic demand. A toll would encourage drivers to consider whether they could use an alternative route or travel at a different time.
“Because the Silvertown Tunnel and the Blackwall Tunnel are located so close to one another and share common approach roads, if the Silvertown Tunnel is built and subject to tolling, the Blackwall Tunnel would also need to be tolled – otherwise there would be serious delays at the Blackwall Tunnel as so much traffic would wish to use it.”
ENDS
Contact:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448