New enforcement cameras being installed at Rotherhithe Tunnel

New cameras to enforce safety restrictions at the Rotherhithe Tunnel in East London are being installed, which could lead to fines of up to £130 for people breaking the rules.

Transport for London says the 110-year-old tunnel was not designed to cope with modern levels of traffic and after an analysis of the tunnel’s ventilation system, it realised new restrictions were vital to ensure road users could continue to use the tunnel safely.

Vehicles that are more than six feet six inches (two metres) wide or high, or goods vehicles weighing more than two tonnes, are not safe to travel through the tunnel, and enforcement officers have turned away an average of 600 vehicles a day since September.

Glynn Barton, TfL’s Director of Network Management, explained, “Safety is our top priority and these restrictions are absolutely essential to ensure that people can continue to use the tunnel safely. People driving vehicles through the tunnel that do not meet the restrictions are putting both themselves and others at risk. I would encourage all users of the tunnel to check that their vehicle is below two metres in height and width, and that goods vehicles are less than two tonnes in weight, so that they are compliant when the new cameras are switched on.”