Bexley Council is fighting against proposed Silvertown Tunnel charges, demanding improved public transport and fairer treatment for South East London residents.
The London Borough of Bexley has vehemently opposed the Mayor of London's plans to introduce charges for drivers using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. The council fears that these charges could create a "two-tier City," disproportionately affecting residents on the eastern side of the Thames.
Bexley Council is lobbying for greater parity with west London, where there are no charges for crossing the river. If charges are to be implemented, the council is demanding a more comprehensive package of concessions and improvements, including:
- Extended resident discounts: The council wants to expand the coverage area for resident discounts to include neighbouring boroughs like Bexley.
- Clarity on charge duration: The council is seeking more information on how long the charges will be in place.
- Enhanced public transport: The council emphasizes improving public transport options, particularly for cross-river journeys. Bexley has long advocated for increased investment in transport infrastructure. Low connectivity is a major barrier to growth and a significant contributor to high car reliance in the borough.
The council's transport priorities include:
- Strategic links: Extending the Elizabeth Line eastward from Abbey Wood and the DLR to Belvedere.
- Intermediate and local connections: Implementing rapid bus, cycling, and walking routes.
The Silvertown proposals, according to Bexley Council, do not adequately address these priorities.
Councillor Richard Diment, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, stated, "We are deeply concerned about the proposals as currently outlined. We require more information from TfL and a broader commitment to public transport investment. As things stand, it appears that the interests of Bexley's residents have once again been overlooked by TfL."
The council is also requesting additional technical information, such as traffic modelling, calculating charges and discounts, and monitoring the tunnel's impact over time. Without this essential data, the council maintains that it cannot provide a fully informed response.
