Help: TFL Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Charging PCN

Hi guys,

I have today received a PCN from the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Charging authority of £180, £90 if paid within 14 days.

From what I can understand, this is a new charge that didn't apply previously, and unfortunately I got caught out on my only trip down Blackwall tunnel in a year or so. I also have ADHD so I do struggle with these retrospective charging regimes where one has to pay after the fact. I have been ticketed by Dartford crossing in the past, but I registered an online account so I never have to worry about that one. Somehow I stupidly thought that having registered online for Dartford would work here as well, but I guess they are different charging authorities so different accounts are required. Which in itself is a very inefficient process.

This is the first time this has happened, so I wonder if there is any recourse here by appealing for leniency for first time offence. I know this has worked with Dartford crossing in the past.

The penalty charge is disproportionately high. The crossing fee is £1.50, and I was only 38 minutes earlier than the free charge time.

The issue date from when the 14 days begins is 16/05/2025, however this just landed through my mailbox so effectively I only get 7 days to pay it.

Is there any possible representation here or should I just resign myself to a very expensive tunnel crossing and pay within the 7 days?

Thank you.

As the tunnel charge is a recent introduction there's chance that TFL may cancel a first-time PCN but TFL is not like Dart.

All you can do is make polite ask.

What’s your outcome?

What’s your outcome?

A bit soon to expect an outcome - just keep an eye on this thread....

What’s your outcome?

And
If you have a PCN then please start your own thread and post up the PCN. Redact your name & address and leave everything else visible. All as per the READ THIS FIRST - **BEFORE POSTING YOUR CASE!** sticky post at the top of the forum.

Any updates on this? Expecting a letter soon from my first time use/forgetting to pay too

Any updates on this? Expecting a letter soon from my first time use/forgetting to pay too

Like the others here, just keep looking on this thread, or start your own when you get the PCN.

I know 3 people who have been caught out by the new charges. One narrowly managed to pay within the 3 days, only because we were discussing the other two and he realised he'd been through the tunnel. Saved him £90!

They all said they didn't see signs. Haven't been through the Blackwall Tunnel for at least 18 months so haven't seen it for myself.

Quote from: Clear-way-8318 on May 29, 2025, 12:53:15 pm

What’s your outcome?

And
If you have a PCN then please start your own thread and post up the PCN. Redact your name & address and leave everything else visible. All as per the READ THIS FIRST - **BEFORE POSTING YOUR CASE!** sticky post at the top of the forum.

I did ..

Glad to hear I'm not the only one to have been caught out with this. I can honestly say I did not see any signs stating that I would have to pay, unlike the Dartford crossing where there are several signs on the run-up and also on the other side. I have put in an on-line complaint, and also tried calling but they won't discuss the fine with me as it is a Leased vehicle. Has anyone had any leeway from TFL on this?

Tim

I ended up paying the £90, I got caught twice coming in and hour and they let me off the first one. Joke though!

That's good to know that there is a precedent for some leeway. Sorry that you got hit with a double fine. I tried to set up an auto-pay account online but it keeps reporting an error so they are not making things easy for us motorists. I can also honestly say I did not see any notification signs that I had to pay else I would have done so.  Have you since gone back through the tunnel and can you say that the signs are clear and obvious?