Charging motorists to drive through the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in east London may have a “detrimental” impact on Tower Bridge, its custodians have warned.

The Silvertown tunnel, linking the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, opens to traffic on Monday, making it the first new Thames road crossing in half a century.

Drivers will have to pay a toll to use the new twin-bore tunnel during peak hours – as well as the adjacent Blackwall tunnel connecting Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, but the City Bridge Foundation, which looks after five Thames bridges in central London at no cost to the taxpayer, is concerned that motorists will divert to the closest practical free river crossing, which is likely to be Tower Bridge, says the Evening Standard.

Simon Latham, the charity’s Chief Operating Officer, said increased traffic will have a “detrimental impact” on the Grade 1-listed landmark, famous for its Gothic towers and raising bascules allowing ships to pass beneath.

Mr Latham said: “It’s vital we do everything we can to protect the 130-year-old structure… We would urge TfL to closely monitor any impact on traffic flow.”

Meanwhile, National Highways is concerned that more traffic may use the Dartford Crossings on the M25, which at £2.50 per crossing is significantly cheaper than both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.

However, TfL claims its modelling suggested there would be no significant increase in traffic on Tower Bridge.

(Pic: TfL)