The Blackwall Tunnel has a secret. It’s actually two tunnels. The northern one opened in 1897. The southern one, called the New Blackwall Tunnel, opened in 1967. They connect, but the old one is so narrow, there are traffic lights inside to manage one-way flow.
Drivers call it the “worst tunnel in Britain.” Why? Because it’s frequently closed for repairs, and the traffic jams are infamous. You can sit for an hour to travel one mile. That’s slower than a Victorian horse.
But the coolest fact? The tunnel was a pioneer. It was the first underwater tunnel in the world to use a shield method for digging. And it was the first to have electricity. In 1897, that was sci-fi stuff.
Today, the tunnel has no barriers for tolls. The charge is collected by cameras. You either pay online or by app. No stopping, no coins. Just your license plate being scanned.
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If you forget to pay, you get a Penalty Charge Notice. It’s £70, reduced to £35 if you pay quickly. That’s pricier than the actual tunnel fee. So set an alarm, or pay the piper.
Should You Just Avoid It?
Honestly, yes. If you’re not a fan of traffic or fees, skip the Blackwall. Use the Woolwich Ferry (free!) or the Dartford Crossing (also a toll, but faster). Or take the Thames Clipper river bus—it’s £9.90 and has a bar.
But sometimes you have no choice. The tunnel is the only crossing for miles. During rush hour, it’s a mess. But at 3 a.m., it’s empty and almost romantic. You can pretend you’re a Victorian explorer in a metal carriage.
One more weird thing: the tunnel has a speed limit of 30 mph. But drivers often go slower because of the bendy, narrow curve. And if you break down? You’re stuck in a hot, smelly tube. No phone signal either.
So, to sum it up. Yes, you pay to go through the Blackwall Tunnel. It’s £4, plus possible ULEZ and Congestion fees. But you also pay with your time. It’s a love-hate relationship with a 127-year-old hole in the ground.
Next time you drive through, wave at the cameras. They’re watching you, but they don’t care about your horse. Just your credit card. And if you see a cyclist? Give them a wide berth. They earned that free ride.
