Bexley council faced criticism for the delayed discussion of a motion regarding the ULEZ expansion. The original proposal, put forward by Conservative councillor Cameron Smith, aimed to stop the ULEZ expansion which had been in effect for 14 months. However, due to time constraints during council meetings, the motion took over two years to reach the table for discussion.
During the council meeting, Labour councillor Stefano Borella expressed concerns about the outdated nature of the motion, highlighting the inefficiencies in the council’s system for addressing such issues. As a result, the motion was revised to call for the Mayor of London to reconsider tolling the Blackwall Tunnel instead.
Transport for London (TfL) recently announced provisional charges for using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, with fees ranging from £1.50 to £4 for car users depending on the time of day. Councillor Smith emphasized the need to reevaluate road user charging policies, especially following the implementation of ULEZ which has already impacted traffic flow through the Blackwall Tunnel.
In response to the proposed tolls, Councillor Borella introduced an amendment acknowledging the original intent of ULEZ expansion to improve air quality. He also criticized the council’s past legal challenges against the ULEZ expansion, which cost over £147,000 and involved multiple authorities.
Despite the amendment, the council voted in favor of the original motion to scrap the toll for the Blackwall Tunnel. Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, defended the decision to introduce charges for both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, citing the need to manage traffic levels effectively and prevent congestion.
Looking ahead, TfL plans to open the Silvertown Tunnel in 2025, promising quicker and more reliable journeys in East London. An eight-week consultation on the proposed charges for the tunnels was conducted, with feedback being reviewed for consideration by the TfL Board later this year.
Overall, the debate surrounding the tolling of the Blackwall Tunnel reflects broader concerns about transport policies and air quality initiatives in London. As the city continues to address environmental challenges and traffic congestion, decisions regarding road user charges and infrastructure development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in the capital.
