In papers prepared for the Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group (STIG) on 27 January 2022, modelling illustrates an increase in demand for total vehicle kilometres of 5 per cent by 2025 at the Blackwall Tunnel and approaches. Since this increase conflicts with your goal to cut vehicle kilometres in London by 27 per cent from 2018 levels by 2030, what steps are you taking to stop and reverse this traffic increase before 2025, when the Silvertown Road Tunnel is due to open? https://content.tfl.gov.uk/stig-presentation-270122.pdf

Transport for London (TfL) is committed as part of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme to effectively managing traffic levels and congestion at this key river crossing. This will be done principally through the introduction of road user charging on the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels, as well as through the provision of new cross river bus services to support more trips by public transport. The modelling data you reference is an important consideration in this work, and I am pleased to see good progress from TfL on reassessing traffic to ensure this scheme works effectively.

To clarify, the quoted 5 per cent increase in vehicle kilometres is for travel across the host boroughs (Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlets), not the Blackwall tunnel or its approach roads specifically, and reflects forecast growth in population and employment in this part of London. TfL estimates that only a fifth of these additional journeys will be undertaken by car, with most new journeys being made by sustainable modes. This modelled outcome is for the new reference case, i.e. the “without scheme” scenario against which TfL compares the “assessed case” scenario in which the scheme is implemented.

This forecast also only accounts for schemes that were committed and funded at the time of the modelling work. It does not include, for example, my recently announced plans for TfL to consult on expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone to outer London in 2023 and to explore the potential for a new form of road user charging system later this decade.

I accept there is more to do and will continue to take action to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport wherever possible, in line with the objectives of my Transport Strategy.