Business leaders add to pressure over tunnel tolls increase

Feb 3 2011 By Liam Murphy

THE CBI last night added its voice to those condemning a proposed hike in the Mersey tunnel tolls – branding the plans "ludicrous".

Merseytravel’s board is set to vote this afternoon on the proposed increase which would see the cost for cars rise from £1.40 to £1.50.

Larger vehicles would see bigger increases, although users of the "Fast Tag" prepayment system would enjoy a lesser rise under the proposals.

Under the RPI link in the Mersey Tunnels Act, Merseytravel could charge £1.60 for cars, and last year discounted this rate for "economic" reasons.

In a report to the transport authority, Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said toll increases help protect the tunnels against increased congestion and cover the cost of their operation, with the excess invested in "public transport alternatives across Merseyside".

In the same report, Mr Scales said the tolls act as a protection for Wirral’s retail economy and save hundreds of jobs by discouraging shoppers from leaving the borough.

But the proposed increase has been criticised by political and business leaders from across Wirral, and now the CBI has added its voice to those opposing the increased cost of travelling to and from Liverpool through the tunnels.

Damian Waters, the CBI’s North West director, said: "This would be a ludicrously short- sighted tax hike on businesses that are already being hammered by soaring fuel costs.