THE Blackwall Tunnel northbound has been reopened ahead of schedule after a car fire forced it to close.

It was opened at 7pm yesterday (November 30) after engineers repaired fire damage to the tunnel.

Firefighters from Greenwich were called to a fire involving a people carrier at 5.45pm on November 29, 100 metres from the tunnel exit.

Two people were taken to hospital one due to smoke inhalation and the other with an ankle injury.

Chief operating officer, Garrett Emmerson, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the tireless work of the emergency services, tunnel engineers and many others who have ensured we have been able to reopen the tunnel so quickly.

“We took a number of steps to mitigate the disruption and frustration to people travelling in the area. Thankfully things will now be able to return to normal.”

The congestion charge cameras in the area east of City Road and Blackfriars Road, Southwark, which were turned off while the tunnel was closed, will be reinstated.