Do you live or travel to London?

Then you need to be aware that Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on a proposed “toll” to use the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels to be introduced in spring 2025, that includes a plan to also charge motorcycles using the tunnels. The current proposed charges are set out below. The fee will be the same for both tunnels, but they will vary in peak and off-peak times. As they currently stand, the plans will see motorcycles being charged a slightly reduced price to car and vans during peak times but the same as cars at off-peak time

There is no justification for this. TfL say they must bring in charges to ‘manage traffic’ and ‘pay for maintenance.’ But motorcycles don’t currently pay the congestion charge or the existing Dartford Crossing charge, and most tolls in the UK exclude motorcycles, because reasonable people understand that motorbikes are the solution to congestion and achieving Net Zero targets not the problem.

You can help stop this by responding to the consultation by the 3rd September, (Link to the Consultation Response here) making your views clear that motorcycles shouldn’t pay the charge.

The BMF’s view is that TFL needs to stop attacking motorcyclists and motorcycles, which offer a greener, sustainable low-emission solution for Local Authorities to achieve their Net Zero targets. Internal combustion engine Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs), including motorcycles and mopeds, contribute just 0.46% to the UK’s domestic transport emissions and have an important transitional role to play in the UK’s wider acceleration to Net Zero, as well as offering a viable solution to current congestion issues across the UK’s road network. TFL would be better off working constructively with the motorcycling community to deliver affordable, low-emission and accessible transport solutions as part of a future, integrated transport model.

Written by Paul Morgan CBE – BMF Government Relations Executive

Top image courtesy of Ian Gilmour