The Blackwall Tunnel is partially blocked this morning due to an Extinction Rebellion protest against the Silvertown Tunnel.

The swarm is in a bid to warn drivers about the hazardous impact of Silvertown after an ongoing fight between protesters and TfL.

According to TfL the protest started at 7.40am this morning and the slip road to Woolwich Road is currently blocked because of it.

In a statement from Extinction Rebellion, they write: "The ongoing fight between protestors and TFL has become increasingly fierce since a disappointing County Hall meeting on August 2 with Heidi Alexander MP.

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"She falsely argued that the build will ease congestion and reduce pollution. This echoes Sadiq Khan’s argument that the unreliable Blackwall Tunnel needs an immediate solution."

READ MORE: GALLERY - Roads re-open around Blackwall Tunnel following Extinction Rebellion protest

The tunnel is set to open in six years time, and the protesters believe it will only increase pollution and congestion.

READ MORE: Silvertown tunnel protesters plan to block a Woolwich road this week

The statement continues: "Residents and children are at further risk of illness and increased morbidity. The HGV lane will be toll-free at night meaning more vehicles will travel through residential streets while people are asleep."

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Extinction Rebellion are certain that they have the power to convince City Hall to reverse their decisions in light of the climate emergency.

They say: "The Welsh government recently decided to cancel the M4’s relief road extension and the French environmental agency last month decided to halt the Marseille Airport expansion plan, citing environmental hazard from carbon emissions as well as economic concerns.

Extinction Rebellion says “We are demanding the cancellation of the Silvertown Tunnel. It is irresponsible and unaffordable in a climate emergency.”

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A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said: "The need for more river crossings in East London, to unlock growth and give residents and businesses better access to jobs and services, has been clear for decades.

"The Silvertown Tunnel, which is vital to support London's economy, has been designed to resolve the worsening congestion and pollution problem around Blackwall. It will improve overall air quality and enable new cross-river bus routes to be introduced.

“The traffic modelling demonstrates that overall traffic does not increase as a result of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. This is because the user charge can be set to manage demand for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. Currently around 100,000 vehicles use the Blackwall Tunnel without paying any charge. From October 2021, they will be required to meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone requirement or pay a daily charge. ‎Once the Silvertown Tunnel opens they will also be required to pay a user charge for using the tunnel.

"We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the project is delivered with minimal impact to local residents. We will closely monitor noise and air quality during construction and traffic levels and emissions once the tunnel is complete to ensure the scheme delivers on these promises.”

Greenwich Council has been contacted for comment.

More information as we get it.

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