UPDATED: Mersey tunnel tolls are frozen until March 2010

Feb 5 2009 By Lorna Hughes

MERSEYTRAVEL has agreed to freeze tunnel tolls at their current levels from April 1 to March 31, 2010 following a meeting on Thursday of the Passenger Transport Authority.

Merseytravel says the decision was made to support businesses and the public during the current economic downturn.

The Mersey Tunnel Users Association (MTUA) has welcomed the decision - but expressed concern that tolls seemed certain to rise in 2010.

John McGoldrick of the MTUA said: "It is a relief that they were not rash enough to increase tolls immediately, but it is most disappointing that they appear to have agreed to put the tolls up next year.

"The tolls are an economic liability for this region in good times as well as bad. We have been paying tolls for over 75 years and they should have been removed long ago.

"It is high time that this millstone round our necks was removed, I hope that all those who live and work in the region will press their local councillors and MPs to get the Government to take over the Tunnels and remove the tolls complete."

An amendment put forward by Moreton and Saughall Massie Councillor Chris Blakeley, proposing a discount for residents and no tolls from 6pm to 6am, was defeated.

The amendment pointed out that all tolls in Scotland had been removed and that people living near the Dartford crossing in Kent are now getting a substantial discount.

Cllr Blakeley said: "This delayed increase will be in the middle of a recession and working people in Wirral will be hit hard.

"The temporary delay in the increase will be a timebomb under the Wirral economy and may see the tolls go up by much more than inflation.

"I am particularly disappointed that councillors from Wirral voted for this increase, knowing as they do, how much people are feeling the pinch."

John McGoldrick said he thought the councillors who voted against the amendment were "misinformed".

He added: "The discount scheme was on the basis that the cost would be met by the Government which is in effect what is happening in Dartford.

"As for removing the tolls at night, the tunnels are currently making a surplus of over £6m, which I would have thought would have covered the loss of income at night."

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: "We appreciate the difficulties facing many people, particularly during the current climate, and we know we have a responsibility to support them as much as we can through this difficult time.

"Ensuring that we are supporting the social and economic regeneration of the region has also been a major factor in our decision.

"By maintaining all of the tunnel toll charges at their current levels we can only help the vast majority of people using the tunnels for private or commercial reasons.

"Like every other PTA we have financial pressures but we hope people appreciate what we are trying to do with these prices freezes."

The tunnel toll charges will remain as follows:

Class 1 vehicles - £1.40 (or £1.25 with a Fast Tag)

Class 2 vehicles - £2.80 (or £2.50 with a Fast Tag)

Class 3 vehicles - £4.20 (or £3.75 with a Fast Tag)

Class 4 vehicles - £5.60 (or £5.00 with a Fast Tag)