Mersey Tunnels report says congestion would increase if tolls were removed

Feb 3 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

TRAFFIC in the Mersey tunnels would increase by 40% and cause 20-minute queues in rush hour if the tolls were removed, according to research commissioned by Merseytravel.

The research also concludes that, if tolls were lifted, it would lead to a drop in those shopping in Wirral, resulting in a loss of £80m to the local economy and the loss of 600 jobs.

A survey of 300 Merseyside companies found that fewer than 20% see the costs of the tunnels as a barrier to doing business across the river.

On Thursday, councillors on transport authority Merseytravel are set to vote to freeze tolls at their current level of £1.40 for cars.

Wirral Council leader Steve Foulkes said he hoped the report by transport expert Colin Buchanan would shed more light on the debate into the complex issue of the unpopular tunnel tolls.

The firm concluded that only a small fraction of tunnel users live outside the Liverpool city region, and as a result, if a local discount were introduced, it would apply to most users.

Merseytravel said it could not comment on the report ahead of it being heard by councillors on Thursday.

Cllr Foulkes said: “Our policy is quite clear: We think tunnel tolls should be lifted if the Government is going to finance it.

“Every government of every complexion has said they will not absorb the cost of the tolls, and it would add 8.5% on to council tax in Wirral.”

He said Wirral needed to up its game in terms of retail so that shoppers were not tempted away to Liverpool and Cheshire Oaks.

A spokesman for Mersey Tunnel Users Association (MTUA) said it was “ridiculous” to suggest that tolls benefited Wirral.