Free Traffic Legal Advice
Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: jazam95 on February 19, 2026, 01:06:01 pm
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OK, so whenever I see a thread on the lines of "I didn't see any signs at all" (or in a similar vein), I go to look at what Google Street View shows. Maybe you've already done this, but anyway, here's what I found.
For the Blackwall tunnel, the one you used, on GSV on the southbound approach there are these signs, which no doubt you are not familiar with: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UEJ4rimHELyMyPVq8
and
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CSEwwgCTgxG75em76
after this sign, GSV reverts to 2024, so if there are signs, I can't view them.
Note the "C" on a red background. That is now the standard sign for indicating a road user charge, athough that is all it tells you, not how to make payment.
There is also this sign telling you a payment is required:-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NU6oGp26LmX5qEkA7
Going northbound, GSV seems similar, with the signs here: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vvLyGnxkod76AoYZ8
and nothing on this sign after the one above:-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YidpBPvfUdVnvVYb7
then the "C" appears, but so inoccuous and small one could be forgiven for not noticing it.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6iRdFsekvNqCWQQv5
and again
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NCBSC4NEF3WBy1MJ6
then this
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCUSmyuHJHNA2Z4x8
and again the "C" sign
https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8D14284skk1ncpV6
the a sign gantry specifically to show the toll signs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DLvJKfP9prBiHAPA6
and finally the original tunnel entrance of 1987 !
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DLvJKfP9prBiHAPA6
As you will have no doubt already gathered, there are two tunnels, the new Silvertown tunnel, and the older Blackwall tunnel which used to be free-of-charge until the Silvertown tunnel opened using financing that demanded it be tolled. So just like the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, built up-stream of the existing bridge at Runcorn, which again was financed on the basis of a toll for use, the old and previously free bridge was also tolled, to prevent loss of revenue. So just as on the Mersey in London, when the new Sivertown tunnel opened with tolls, the Blackwall tunnel became tolled to ensure there was no loss of revenue.
The tolls on the new tunnels commenced on 7th April 2025 when the Silvertown tunnel opened. For quite a few weeks, enforcement was undertaken by sending our warnings to first-time non-payers, but that has now ceased. Biggest problem we see on this forum is people using satnavs, and getting caught out by new restrictions especially in London. As you can see, it's not quite a year since those new tolls came in.
Assuming the signs I have shown above have not been improved, for me it is totally inadequate for a stranger to London, but so far, I don't think anybody has challenged the signage at London Tribunals and won on the basis of inadequate signage. Adequacy is the standard within Regulation 18 of The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/2489/regulation/18
So it might be worthwhile submitting representations that you are a total stranger to London and saw nothing on Google or your satnave that indicated the need to pay a toll on the Blackwall tunnel. Don't expect them to roll over and cancel the PCNs. Like London councils, TfL are as ruthless, venal, and rapacious as they are. Of course you have the absolute right in law to take them to London Tribunals, but would have to risk the full PCN penalties.
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Looking for any advice (despite knowing the likely response).
I'm based in the north east (England not London) and visited some friends in Lewisham a couple of weeks ago.
Driving down I used my sat nav and also checked the route on Google which didn't suggest any toll roads were being used (I selected avoid tolls) and my car is ULEZ complaint so had no concerns there.
I have just received 2 (for each direction of my journey) PCNs for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel, which has really shocked me. I did not see any signage stating this tunnel required payment nor any reminders upon leaving the tunnel. For example when leaving the Tyne Tunnel in this neck of the woods there's a large sign stating "pay your toll by midnight tomorrow". I also checked at the time out of curiosity on the .gov toll website that lists chargeable tunnels and this one is not listed anywhere.
I would never actively avoid paying for use of a toll road/tunnel due to the minimal actual cost vs a PCN and am a very observant driver so find it hard to believe I missed multiple signage.
I have spoke to a very rude TFL phone employee, my tone was nothing but friendly and curious, who stated there are multiple clear signs throughout the tunnel and upon approach and exit. Have I really been that blind and am I going to have to pay both PCNs? I feel devastated and somewhat conned, I'm adamant there was no clear/obvious signage (or at least in my opinion).
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/izHNlMn_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/jF7AlMg_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/PXh1mFi_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/IiaciMK_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/wfDfpxL_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/IxREG8x_xl.jpg)