Yes, unless you are a motorcycle, a bicycle, or an emergency vehicle. Sorry, not sorry. Cars, vans, and trucks all pay. The cost varies by time of day and vehicle type. It’s cheaper at night, because TfL understands you’re probably not joyriding at 3 AM.
The charge is different depending on if you’re driving a diesel or a petrol car. Or if you’re in a massive lorry. Basically, the bigger and dirtier your vehicle, the more you pay. Fair? Maybe. Annoying? Definitely.
PHV's Exempt from Silvertown Tunnel Charge? - TFL SERU
You can check the exact price on the TfL website. It updates faster than my opinion on pineapple pizza. Just punch in your vehicle details, and the robot will tell you your fate.
What If I Forget? (Don’t Panic)
First, breathe. It happens. We’re all busy. If you’ve missed the deadline, you can still pay the standard charge within 24 hours of the deadline. You’ll just pay a slightly higher rate. Consider it a “stupid tax.” I’ve paid plenty of those.
After that, you’re in penalty land. You’ll get a letter. You can challenge it if you have a good reason. But mostly, you just pay it. And then you buy a bigger calendar to remind yourself next time.
Honestly, the best way to avoid the headache is to just set a reminder on your phone. Name it “PAY THE TUNNEL CHARGE, YOU DOOFUS.” Works every time.
So that’s it. No cash, no magic tricks. Just a website, your license plate, and a card. You’ve got this. And if you mess up? Well, now you have a funny story to tell at parties. “Remember that time I forgot to pay the Silvertown Tunnel charge?” Gets a laugh every time. Or it will, once you stop crying about the fine.
Now go forth and tunnel under the Thames without fear. Your wallet is prepared, and your phone is charged. You are a modern-day adventurer. With a toll payment app.
