Thousands fewer drivers are using the Blackwall Tunnel and new Silvertown Tunnel combined than before the launch of the new crossing and their tolls.
Around 12,000 fewer vehicles are passing through the two tunnels combined on a typical weekday compared to when only the Blackwall Tunnel was in operation, Transport for London (TfL) data shows.
The data provides the first insights into the effect of the introduction of the new Silvertown Tunnel in April, alongside the tolls at both crossings - showing they are easing congestion across this part of the River Thames.
However, TfL said it was aware of some increased traffic volumes at other river crossings, including the Woolwich Ferry.
An early analysis of data between April 21 and May 11 shows that 88,000 vehicles are crossing through the Silvertown Tunnel and Blackwall Tunnel on a typical weekday, with around 20,000 vehicles using the new tunnel.
Before the Silvertown Tunnel opened on April 7, around 100,000 vehicles typically used the Blackwall Tunnel on weekdays, meaning overall traffic levels at the location have been cut by 12 per cent, easing congestion.
The new tunnel also provides an alternative route for drivers in case there is traffic in the Blackwall Tunnel, TfL has highlighted.
The Blackwall Tunnel was closed in both directions for several hours due to an incident on May 14.
While this would have previously led to significant disruption, TfL has pointed out that drivers were able to use the Silvertown Tunnel instead and were not left stuck in traffic.
TfL data also found that the number of people taking buses that travel through the tunnels has increased.
On an average day, 20,000 passengers use the 108, and the new 129 and Superloop 4 buses, with 7,000 journeys involving crossing the river using one of the tunnels.
TfL’s figures show that there has been a 160% increase in the number of people crossing the river on the bus at this location.
Previously, only the 108 bus crossed the river via the Blackwall Tunnel and around 2,700 journeys were made a day, in March 2025.
Meanwhile, across the wider road network, analysis found that there is similar stability in overall traffic volumes, including on key corridors such as the A2, A12, and A13.
Meanwhile, around 100 to 150 passengers are using TfL’s new Cycle Shuttle service and TfL says it continues to receive positive feedback on the service since it launched.
It believes that usage will increase on the Cycle Shuttle in the coming months.
The £2.2bn Silvertown Tunnel is the first new road crossing of the Thames east of Tower Bridge in more than three decades. It vosts £4 peak per car for a crossing, the same as at the Blckwall Tunnel.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “Easing congestion and keeping London moving is vital for our city to thrive, so it’s encouraging that initial data from TfL shows that the new Silvertown Tunnel is helping to reduce the build-up of traffic around the Blackwall Tunnel.
“This means more reliable and faster journey times for thousands of Londoners during peak hours. There is a significant increase in cross-river bus use and improved bus reliability is helping us to build a better and more accessible London for all.”
Carl Eddleston, Director of Streets and Network Operations at TfL added: “Although it is still early days, the initial data we are seeing shows that the new Silvertown Tunnel, supported by user charges, has already helped reduced congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel and improved cross-river public transport, with thousands of Londoners using the new, free bus services the tunnel facilitates.
“We will also be sharing more detailed analysis with the Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group later this summer as part of agreed monitoring of the tunnel, as well as continuing to actively monitor traffic along all major roads in London to reduce any congestion when possible.”
