Drivers face 'kick in teeth' new daily charge in England ON TOP of car tax
London Borough of Bexley has expressed concern over unfair charges for the Borough’s residents following the introduction of tolls to use the Silvertown tunnel and the Blackwall tunnel earlier this week.
Drivers face a "kick in the teeth" new daily charge in England - ON TOP of car tax changes brought in at the start of the month. London Borough of Bexley has expressed concern over unfair charges for the Borough’s residents following the introduction of tolls to use the Silvertown tunnel and the Blackwall tunnel earlier this week.
Councillor Richard Diment said: "This is a real kick in the teeth for our residents and small businesses who are being treated unfairly. The higher charge for travelling South to North from boroughs such as Bexley to Newham needs to be urgently addressed with a more comprehensive package of concessions.
"Residents and businesses in Bexley have no choice but to use the tunnels given the lack of modern public transport links serving the borough and should not be discriminated against for doing so."
READ MORE UK tourists warned 13 items banned from UK even if bought in duty-free
The peak rate charges only apply to those travelling northbound from 6am to 10am and travelling southbound from 4pm to 7pm which means a Bexley resident who has registered for Auto Pay would have to pay £4 each way during these times, a total of £8 a day. However those travelling southbound from 6am to 10am and northbound 4pm to 7pm get a discounted off-peak rate of £1.50 each way and will only pay £3 a day in total.
The Council is urging Bexley residents to check how they can keep costs to a minimum. Lower charges for off-peak use are available by registering for Auto Pay – and discounts are available for residents on certain low-income benefits and for small businesses, charities and some sole traders.
During the consultation period the Council had asked for a thorough assessment of the economic consequences prior to any charges being finalised however TFL approved the charges, with few changes to their original proposals, and with very little benefit to Bexley.
"They say the tunnel charge off is to avoid traffic, but the traffic was created due to the roadworks and roadblocks they themselves have created for several years. There was no traffic before the Silvertown tunnel project started," a driver fumed.
"I think it disgusting using the climate to fleece drivers look at the state of our roads and they want you to pay more the country is becoming a laughing stock," a second said.