The Blackwall Tunnel has been branded one of the most dangerous in Europe, in terms of driver safety.

Transport for London (TfL) own and manage the tunnel which runs under the River Thames and forms part of the A102 between Greenwich and Blackwall.

Results from Tunnel Test 2003, managed by German motoring association ADAC, showed the northbound tunnel was the fourth worst in Europe and ranked lowest of the four tunnels tested in the UK.

The northbound section which opened in 1897 for horses and carts, now carries a daily traffic flow of 50,000 vehicles on its two lanes.

Inspectors looked at a number of factors from emergency lighting to fire ventilation to the width of walkways the tunnel was branded as "very poor".

According to the report weaknesses of the tunnel include no lay-bys or emergency lane, a relatively narrow traffic lane and daily congestion, with strengths including fire extinguishers, phones and full video surveillance.

The southbound tunnel and nearby Rotherhithe tunnel were placed ninth and 10th most dangerous, with both being given poor ratings.

Tfl is concerned comparing the three short London tunnels with longer European ones is not a fair comparison. It also stressed a £15m major refurbishment of the southbound Blackwall Tunnel is now under way and expected to be completed early next year.