Rotherhithe Tunnel Charge

The Rotherhithe Tunnel, a historic and essential transport link in London, has been subject to various regulations and charges to ensure safety, environmental concerns, and efficient traffic flow. As an integral part of the city’s road network, it is crucial for motorists to be aware of the Rotherhithe Tunnel Charges and its associated restrictions. In this article, we will delve into the different aspects of the Rotherhithe Tunnel Charge, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone charge, weight limit, height and width restrictions, fines, and its position within the congestion zone.

Rotherhithe Tunnel Toll Charge

There is currently no toll charge to use the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

Rotherhithe Tunnel ULEZ Charge

In recent years, addressing the issue of air pollution has become a major priority for metropolitan cities like London. The introduction of ULEZ aims to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles and promote cleaner air by imposing strict emissions standards. If your vehicle does not meet these standards, you will be required to pay the ULEZ charge when you enter the zone.

The ULEZ charge applies to vehicles that don’t meet its emission standards. This includes motorcycles, cars, vans, specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes). However, be aware, just because you vehicle is ULEZ compliant, doesn’t mean it can use Rotherhithe Tunnel due to further restrictions imposed by Transport for London (TfL). There are height, weight and width restrictions that apply to Rotherhithe Tunnel.

The ULEZ zone is currently covering all areas within the North Circular (A406) and South (A205) Circular Roads. However, both the North Circular and South Circular roads themselves are not within the ULEZ zone. However, the ULEZ zone will be expanding from 29th August 2023, this will match the current LEZ zone. The ULEZ zone is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Christmas Day. It’s currently a daily charge of £12.50 to enter. Rotherhithe Tunnel is currently within both the LEZ and ULEZ zones.

Is Rotherhithe Tunnel in the Congestion Zone?

Rotherhithe Tunnel is not in the Congestion Zone.

Rotherhithe Tunnel Weight Restriction

Rotherhithe Tunnel’s design, which was built in 1908, is no longer suitable for some modern day vehicles. TfL have now enforced some restrictions in order to maintain the structural integrity of the tunnel. One of the restrictions the tunnel is subject to is a weight limit. The current gross vehicle weight (GVW) restriction for Rotherhithe Tunnel is 2 tonnes. This applies to goods vehicles.

GVW is the maximum weight that a vehicle is legally permitted to be loaded to. GVW is also called permissible maximum weight or the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).

You can find your vehicle’s GVW by checking:

• The revenue weight listed on the vehicle’s log book (V5C);
• On the sticker or plate fitted to the vehicle, or;
• With the vehicle’s manufacturer.

The weight limit is strictly enforced to prevent potential damage to the tunnel’s infrastructure and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by overweight vehicles. This is done with the use of cameras on the entrance to the tunnel at either end. Therefore, all motorists are advised to be aware of their vehicle’s GVW before entering the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and choose alternative routes if necessary.

Rotherhithe Tunnel Height Restriction

In addition to weight restrictions, the Rotherhithe Tunnel also imposes a height restriction on vehicles. These restrictions are in place to ensure that vehicles that enter the tunnel are no too tall, which could cause damage to the tunnel and cause safety issues. Motorists driving larger vehicles, should carefully assess their hight before entering Rotherhithe Tunnel, and choose alternative routes if necessary. The current height restriction for Rotherhithe Tunnel is 2 metres (6.5 feet). This applies to all vehicles.

Rotherhithe Tunnel Width Restriction

The final restriction that can prevent motorist using the Rotherhithe Tunnel is the width of their vehicle. Again, these restrictions are in place to ensure that vehicles that enter the tunnel are no too wide, which could cause damage to the tunnel and put themselves and others at risk. Motorists driving larger vehicles, should carefully assess their width before entering Rotherhithe Tunnel, and choose alternative routes if necessary. The current width restriction for Rotherhithe Tunnel is 2 metres (6.5 feet). This applies to all vehicles.

Rotherhithe Tunnel Fines

Failure to adhere to the restrictions imposed by TfL can result in fines and penalties. TfL are enforcing these to maintain the tunnel’s safety and efficiency. Motorists caught driving a vehicle that doesn’t comply with the restrictions or fails to pay the ULEZ charge, may face fines and other legal consequences. The most common being a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from TfL. Currently this is £160 for over-height, overweight or over-wide vehicles. ULEZ PCNs are currently £180, with a 50% reduction if the fine is paid within 14 days.

Appeal A Rotherhithe Tunnel Fine

A PCN or FPN issued due to a road traffic infraction in Rotherhithe Tunnel will be issued by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) or TfL. The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions law covers PCNs, which makes the registered keeper of the vehicle liable for payment of the charge. If you do decide to appeal a Rotherhithe Tunnel charge, some points that might help are:

• If you weren’t the driver at the time of the road traffic offence, but have received a PCN due to being the registered keeper of the vehicle, you can appeal the PCN and input in the driver details at the time the fine was received.
• Make sure to check all the information on the PCN as any incorrect details such as street name, the date, time, vehicle registration, etc.

TLDR: Rotherhithe Tunnel Charge

• There is no toll charge to use the Rotherhithe Tunnel;
• Rotherhithe Tunnel is within the LEZ and ULEZ zones;
• Rotherhithe Tunnel is not in the Congestion Zone;
• There is currently a gross vehicle weight (GVW) restriction of 2 tonnes for Rotherhithe Tunnel for goods vehicles;
• There is currently width and height restrictions of 2 metres (6.5 feet) for Rotherhithe Tunnel for all vehicles;
• Currently there is a £160 Parking Charge Notice (PCN) for over-height, overweight or over-wide vehicles. ULEZ PCNs are currently £180, with a 50% reduction if the fine is paid within 14 days.

Sources used to write this article:

• Ultra Low Emission Zone
• Transport for London ULEZ – Check Your Vehicle
• ULEZ Zone Expansion
• Low Emission Zone
• Rotherhithe Tunnel Restrictions
• ULEZ PCN