Numerous drivers are opting for a no-cost ferry to traverse the River Thames, bypassing the newly tolled tunnels.

As a consequence, motorists are facing long waits and a notable increase in truck traffic on the Woolwich Ferry since tolls were implemented on April 7 for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.

Commuters have remarked that, despite the ferry resembling a “cargo ship” due to the space taken up by lorries, it remains a more attractive option than the “excessive” £8 fee charged for daily tunnel access.

Transport for London (TfL) is closely monitoring the developments. Their data indicates that, since tolls were introduced, there has been a daily influx of an additional 1,800 vehicles utilizing the ferry service. The Mayor of London has been invited to provide a statement on the matter.

According to TfL, the combined traffic volume through the Silvertown and Blackwall corridors typically reaches 88,000 vehicles in both directions on an average weekday.

This is a decline from the previous range of 90,000 to 100,000 vehicles that utilized the Blackwall Tunnel daily before Silvertown’s opening, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Drivers are required to pay to use either the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels, with cars facing a maximum fee of £4 per trip.

Residents from twelve east London boroughs—Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest—and the City of London, as well as drivers receiving certain benefits, can apply for a 50% reduction on the tunnel charge. Approximately 3,500 residents are currently enrolled for this discount.

Businesses, sole traders, and charities operating from Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets can also receive a £1 discount on off-peak charges if registered.

Letisha Hyde, a Thamesmead resident, used to frequently use the ferry for commuting and taking her children to school and nursery. However, she has shifted back to the tunnels due to the increased congestion at the ferry.

“I anticipated that the ferry would become significantly busier since the introduction of tolls, and indeed it has. Yet, the service now operates with two boats running for longer hours,” she noted.

“The traffic congestion during rush hours could be less severe if not for the space consumed by lorries—it resembles a cargo ship at times. The number of lorries in the mornings has tripled, and a single lorry occupies the space of three to four cars on the ferry.”

Using the tunnel has added considerable financial strain for Ms. Hyde. “Paying eight pounds daily accumulates quickly, so I’ve had to adjust my budget to manage essentials. The extra fuel costs have also been a burden.”

Dev Der, a Woolwich resident, chooses the ferry to commute to his office in Canary Wharf, stating that he prefers it over the £8 daily toll for both tunnels, which he finds excessive.

Greenwich local Loong Chung mentioned, “I take the ferry when the queue is manageable and don’t mind waiting up to 30 minutes. Eight pounds for a round trip is simply too high. If I’m not pressed for time, I prefer the ferry or the Rotherhithe Tunnel.”

Tony Silver, another Greenwich resident, noted that the Blackwall Tunnel experience has become “pleasurable” due to reduced traffic.

Charging ferry users would require legislative action, as the service has remained free since it was established in 1889.

Andy Lord, the TfL commissioner, expressed, “Our staff are diligently working to accommodate the increase in passengers and maintain the ferry’s schedule, and we are closely observing the situation with the expectation that it will stabilize in the coming months as travel patterns evolve.”