A petition with over 37,000 signatures calling for the cancellation of proposed tolls for the new Silvertown Tunnel and the Blackwall Tunnel was presented at City Hall on Thursday. The tolls, set to take effect next spring, would charge up to £4 per single crossing during peak hours.

Transport for London (TfL) announced that the new tolls are aimed at managing traffic and covering the £2bn construction cost of the Silvertown Tunnel, which will provide an additional crossing under the Thames. The tolls for both tunnels would be £4 during peak hours and £1.50 during off-peak hours, with overnight crossings being free.

Liam Davis, who started the petition, argues that the charges will negatively impact families and businesses that rely on the routes. Reform UK’s London Assembly member, Alex Wilson, presented the petition and called for an alternative funding plan, suggesting that taxpayers across London should cover the costs rather than drivers alone.

In response, London Mayor Sadiq Khan defended the tolls, citing the congestion and frequent closures of the Blackwall Tunnel and the necessity to fund the new infrastructure. TfL has also announced discounts for low-income drivers and small businesses in certain areas.