Here’s the scoop: both tunnels now have a user charge, not quite the Congestion Charge, but close. If you drive a car through either tunnel between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., you’ll need to pay a fee online before or after your trip. Forget to pay? TfL’s ANPR cameras will snap your plate, and a £160 PCN (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days) lands in your mailbox like an unwelcome party invite.
The cultural connection is undeniable: Londoners love hating on TfL charges. It’s practically a sport, like debating the best kebab shop at 2 a.m. But honestly, this fee is meant to cut traffic by up to 20% and help pay for the new tunnel. Think of it as a grudging donation to the city’s oxygen supply.
Practical Tip #1: Set a Phone Alarm
Before you dive into the tunnel’s dark belly, set a reminder on your phone. The payment window is strictly before midnight the next day—or up to 90 days in advance. I literally have a dedicated note titled “Tunnel Tax,” and I still forget occasionally. Trust me, an £80 reminder stings more than a cold cup of Pret coffee.
