Wednesday 4 September 2024

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for proposed tolls to be reduced on the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels.

Responding to the Transport for London (TfL) consultation LCCI, which represents over 8,900 businesses across the capital, welcomed the improved transport infrastructure in east London.

East London has fewer river crossings than other parts of the city which has led to significant pressure on existing infrastructure such as the Blackwell Tunnel and Tower Bridge. Additional crossings in East London would alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and ensure better connections for businesses across London.

While LCCI welcomes the consultation, it does have concerns about the impact of the proposed toll rates on businesses, particularly for larger vehicles such as vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which are essential to London’s logistics industry.

LCCI recognises that the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority (GLA) aims to reduce pollution and congestion through the introduction of tolls for both the new Silvertown Tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel and supports this intention. While the proposed discounts for small businesses and low-income East Londoners are encouraging, LCCI and its members are concerned that the proposed tariffs for larger vehicles are significantly higher than those for car or small van users, and are used by companies which play a crucial role in London’s economy.

Karim Fatehi MBE, CEO of LCCI commented, “London’s logistics industry plays an essential role in keeping the city’s economy moving. Without logistics firms, London’s economy would grind to a halt. The proposed toll rates for large vans and HGVs at peak times in particular represent a significant cost to businesses, which could impact their ability to operate efficiently and negatively impact London’s economy.”

LCCI is concerned that the higher toll rates for larger vehicles may incentivise businesses to increase their use of small vehicles to avoid the fees which would counteract the very goals that the tolls are designed to address. Additionally, the disparity between the proposed tolls for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels and the existing charges at the Dartford Crossing should not be ignored. If this disparity is not addressed, traffic may move to outer London areas where crossing is more cost-effective for businesses, putting additional pressure on the city's outer roads.

Recommendations:

• Lower the proposed toll rates for all vehicles to match those of the Dartford Crossing. This would prevent traffic from diverting to outer London areas.
• Reduce the toll rates for HGVs and large vans. This would alleviate the financial burden on logistics businesses and ensure the efficient movement of goods.

By implementing these recommendations, Transport for London (TfL) can balance the need for revenue with the importance of supporting the city's business community.

LCCI is committed to working with the Mayor of London, TfL, and all stakeholders to find solutions that will support both the city’s world leading economy and its environmental goals.

ENDS