Bexley Council has expressed strong opposition to 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 in east London.
In a statement, Bexley Council highlighted the need for greater parity with west London, where there are currently no charges for crossing the Thames. The council is calling for a more comprehensive package of concessions and improvements, including:
- Extended resident discounts: The council wants the area of coverage for resident discounts to be expanded to include adjacent boroughs like Bexley.
- Clarity on the duration of charges: The council is seeking more information about how long the charges will be in place.
- Improved public transport: Bexley Council emphasizes the need for enhanced public transport options, especially for cross-river journeys. The council has long advocated for increased investment in transport infrastructure, including an extension of the Elizabeth Line and DLR, as well as improved bus, cycling, and walking routes.
Cllr Richard Diment, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, expressed concerns about the current proposals: "We need more information from TfL and a broader commitment on public transport investment. As things currently stand, it looks like the interests of Bexley’s residents have once again been ignored by TfL."
The council is also requesting additional technical information, such as traffic modelling and details on how the charges and discounts have been calculated. Without this information, Bexley Council maintains that it cannot provide a fully informed response.
For more information on the charging proposals, please visit the TfL website.
Source: LBB (Bexley Bulletin - 6 September 2024)
