Request ID: FOI-4510-2324 Date published: 05 April 2024
You asked
1. Will there be restrictions on who can use the new Silvertown Tunnel that is currently being built between North Greenwich and Silvertown?
2. Will the restrictions apply at all times or only at certain times - eg during the day between 9.00am and 6pm?
3. If restrictions are to apply please either list the vehicle types allowed through the new tunnel or alternatively list those not allowed through.
4. Will there be a charge for use of the new tunnel?
5. I have heard rumours that there will be a charge on use of the Blackwall Tunnel to pay for the new tunnel. Has this decision been taken and if so will there be a charge?
6. If there is to be a charge on use of the Blackwall Tunnel how much is it intended it should be?
7. If no decision has been taken on charges on either tunnel when is it anticipated the decision will be made?
8. Will the new Silvertown Tunnel allow cyclists through?
9. Does TfL intend to increase the frequency or capacity of the bus routes between the North and South of the river using the new Silvertown Tunnel?
10. If so please provide the following information:-(i) the available passenger trips currently (available passenger trips = the number of buses per day through the current Blackwall Tunnel multiplied by the number of seats per bus) : (ii) an estimate of the number of trips actually undertaken.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-4510-2324 Thank you for your request received on11 March 2024 asking for information about the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:
Will there be restrictions on who can use the new Silvertown Tunnel that is currently being built between North Greenwich and Silvertown?
Will the restrictions apply at all times or only at certain times - eg during the day between 9.00am and 6pm?
If restrictions are to apply please either list the vehicle types allowed through the new tunnel or alternatively list those not allowed through.
The above restrictions will apply at all times.
Will there be a charge for use of the new tunnel?
I have heard rumours that there will be a charge on use of the Blackwall Tunnel to pay for the new tunnel. Has this decision been taken and if so will there be a charge?
Does TfL intend to increase the frequency or capacity of the bus routes between the North and South of the river using the new Silvertown Tunnel?
Yes, we will be creating new bus routes through the Silvertown tunnel including the new SL4 route from Canary Wharf to Grove Park, which will form part of the new 'Superloop' bus network. The route 129 will also be extended from North Greenwich to Great Eastern Quay. Further information is available here:Silvertown Tunnel Bus Network Proposals | Have Your Say Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
If so please provide the following information:-(i) the available passenger trips currently (available passenger trips = the number of buses per day through the current Blackwall Tunnel multiplied by the number of seats per bus) : (ii) an estimate of the number of trips actually undertaken.
(i) Route 108 uses 70 capacity buses. Route 108 has 105 journeys southbound through the Blackwall Tunnel on a weekday plus 8 journeys overnight = 113 southbound journeys which = space for 7,910 passengers. Northbound there are 104 journeys plus 8 journeys overnight = 112 journeys = space for 7,840 passengers. On a Saturday the figures are: 104 Southbound + 10 overnight = 114 buses = 7,980 capacity 105 Northbound + 8 overnight = 113 buses = 7,910 capacity On A Sunday the figures are: 78 Southbound + 10 overnight = 88 buses = 6,020 capacity 78 Northbound + 8 overnight = 86 buses = 6,020 capacity (ii) Usage on the 108 through Blackwall Tunnel based on period 9 2023/24 data (broadly November 2023): Weekday southbound (24 hour): 1,242 passenger trips Weekday northbound (24 hour): 1,415 passenger trips Saturday southbound (24 hour): 1,611* passenger trips Saturday northbound (24 hour): 1,759* passenger trips Sunday southbound (24 hour): 988 passenger trips Sunday northbound (24 hour): 1,111 passenger trips *Saturday overnight demand was significantly impacted in period 9 by closures of the tunnel. Therefore applied Sunday night demand to Saturday to create an estimate. Daytime demand is about 90% of the stated demand for Saturdays. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
