Silvertown Tunnel is Now Open – What It Means for PCO Drivers

If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic during an airport run in East London, this is big news. The Silvertown Tunnel is now open and it’s here to make your life on the road a whole lot easier.
East London traffic is known for being a nightmare. Long delays, diversions, and stress – not ideal when you’re trying to get passengers to the airport or fit in extra rides.
But with this new tunnel connecting East and Southeast London, you’ve got a faster way through, and that means more driving, less waiting… and more earning.
Highlights:
- Fewer delays on airport runs = more trips, more earnings
- Smoother late-night journeys when Blackwall Tunnel is shut
- More rides from corporate clients needing fast, reliable travel
- Better access to high-demand areas across the river









Why It’s Good News for PCO Drivers
1. Quicker Airport Runs
Until now, Blackwall Tunnel has been your main option. But with constant traffic, lane closures and weekend chaos, it’s far from reliable.
Silvertown Tunnel changes that. It gives you a faster, less congested route to:
- London City Airport
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
Faster trips means more rides in a shift, equals to more cash in your pocket.
Especially since airport jobs usually mean longer fares.
2. Easier Night Shifts
Blackwall Tunnel often closes overnight for maintenance, leaving you stuck with long detours.
With the Silvertown Tunnel, you’ve got a new option to keep things moving. Less stress, less fuel wasted, and more time earning – even during the graveyard shift.
You’ll also likely see a rise in demand from:
- Night-shift workers
- Late-night partygoers
- Travellers catching early or late flights
- Night-shift workers
3. More Corporate & Business Jobs
This tunnel opens up cross-river routes that were previously a pain. That means:
- More pick-ups from hotels
- More cross-river business meetings
- Higher-value rides from clients who need punctual, premium service
Note: There is a toll charge for using the tunnel – check out our full blog on that for details.
Here’s our detailed blog on Silvertown Tunnel toll charge to help you learn more about the topic.


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4. Better Access to Key Hotspots
The tunnel links Greenwich (South) with Newham (North), cutting right under the Thames.
That gives you quick routes to major high-demand areas like:
- Canary Wharf – financial district, busy weekdays
- Stratford – transport hub, Westfield, Olympic Park
- ExCeL London – big event venue with lots of traffic
Less time stuck in traffic = more time picking up riders in the best spots.
Final Thoughts
The Silvertown Tunnel is a game-changer for PCO drivers. Whether you’re on late shifts, airport duty, or business rides – this new route means:
- Less hassle
- More income
- Smoother shifts
Make the most of it and stay ahead of the curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to pay the toll?
You could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, which could be reduced to £90 if paid within two weeks.
Are there discounts or exemptions for private hire drivers?
At present, there are no toll discounts for PCO drivers. This may change in the future, subject to TfL policy.
What if my vehicle is hired or rented - who pays the toll?
In most cases, the PCO driver is responsible for toll charges unless your rental agreement includes toll coverage. Always check with your rental provider.
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What if my vehicle is hired or rented - who pays the toll?
In most cases, the PCO driver is responsible for toll charges unless your rental agreement includes toll coverage. Always check with your rental provider.