Kent drivers heading into London could face a toll at the Blackwall Tunnel for the first time, it's been revealed.

A consultation launched by TfL could mean the county's motorists facing toll charges of more than £3 to use the tunnel.

It is to fund a proposed new road crossing under the Thames at Silvertown - between Thamesmead and Beckton.

The Silvertown tunnel has not yet been approved, but if it is, the toll charges could then be introduced at both sites, the consultation document suggests.

But, as the two crossings would be so close geographically, Transport for London (TfL) says it would need to charge drivers using the Blackwall Tunnel to ease delays.

It claims drivers would otherwise cause bottlenecks in the older tunnel to avoid tolls at the new one.

What's worse for drivers, it's been revealed the tolls could be higher during the rush hour under the consultation plans.

But motoring groups have warned drivers would be furious at the plans to introduce charges at the existing crossing.

Paul Watters from the AA said: "It will be hugely controversial because the Blackwall tunnel is the circular route round London, it joins up the North and South circulars, and it’s free at the moment.

"TfL will have to listen very carefully to the views of drivers."

The consultation is due to end on November 29.