Did you actually need to pay?
The tunnels are only charged between 6am and 10pm. Crossing overnight is free. Check the times and the peak/off-peak rules on our Blackwall Tunnel page.
Can I still pay the tunnel charge late?
Pay on TfL’s tunnels charge page or in the TfL Pay to Drive in London app, by midnight on the third day after you crossed. Each crossing is charged separately.
Missed the deadline? What the tunnel PCN costs
TfL sends a £180 penalty charge notice (PCN) to the registered keeper. It’s halved to £90 if paid within 14 days, and rises to £270 if left unpaid after 28 days. If you think it’s wrong, challenge it with TfL within 28 days, then appeal to London Tribunals if TfL rejects it.
How do I avoid it next time?
- TfL Auto Pay is free to join, bills each crossing automatically, and is the only way to get the £1.55 off-peak car rate (otherwise every crossing costs £4.20).
- EveryDrive detects the crossing from your phone’s location and reminds you before the deadline — useful when you only use a crossing occasionally, or drive someone else’s car.