Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel tolls start in April, TfL says

But on three bus routes that use the tunnel there will be free travel for “at least a year”, the mayor said.

There will also be free travel for the same period on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) between Cutty Sark and Island Gardens, and from Woolwich Arsenal to King George V stations.

Discounts are also available for those on low incomes and small businesses.

The London mayor has said the toll charges for motorists will help with current congestion at the crossing, adding: “The current Blackwall Tunnel is, on an average basis, closed 700 times a year.

“A five-minute closure leads to a three-mile tailback, leads to problems for small businesses, those trading, those using the tunnel.

“The most unreliable bus in London is a single decker that uses the Blackwall Tunnel. By having a charge on both tunnels we can have improved public transport, improved river crossings, less congestion, better air quality.”