Transport for London (TfL) has been successful in decreasing delays at the Blackwall Tunnel by using navigation app Waze and Eurotunnel under a six-month trial period.

Blackwell Tunnel, passing underneath the River Thames, is subjected to key problems of broken down and over-height vehicles, resulting in significant congestion and closures of the tunnel.

TfL Network Management director Glynn Barton said: “By working with Waze and Eurotunnel we have been able to help reduce the number of vehicles breaking down in the Blackwall tunnel – saving drivers time that would have otherwise have been spent sitting in traffic.”

During the trial period, TfL worked with Waze to remind the vehicle drivers approaching the tunnel to have enough fuel.

“By working with Waze and Eurotunnel we have been able to help reduce the number of vehicles breaking down in the Blackwall tunnel.”

A total of 459 drivers re-routed to local petrol stations after receiving the message due to inadequate fuel in their cars thereby reducing the risk of breaking down within the tunnel.

The number of breakdowns within the Blackwall Tunnel is also said to have reduced compared to the same period last year.

TfL is also working with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Freight to address the issue of the number of over-height incidents at the Blackwall Tunnel as many drivers enter the tunnel, unaware of their vehicle height and the restrictions displayed on the approach roads.

Lorries entering the UK through Eurotunnel were distributed leaflets in ten different languages to inform the drivers on the best choice between the Blackwall Tunnel and Dartford Crossing.

TfL recently launched a campaign to advise users about the busiest times at Blackwall Tunnel, which saw about 2% of the drivers reschedule their journeys.