An announcement today has revealed that the Mersey tunnel tolls are set to increase to £1.80 per journey.
In a statement released today, detailing the reduced off peak £1 tolls, Merseytravel announced plans to increase the toll by 10p per journey to £1.80.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham announced plans yesterday to introduce an off peak toll of £1 that will be in place between 7pm and 7am Monday to Saturday and all day on a Sunday.
It was part of his manifesto to reduce tunnel tolls and many feel the off peak toll falls short on his promises.
The announcement that the price for non-fast tag users is a further blow to commuters. Standard fast tag fees will not increase however those without a fast tag will be hit with an extra 20p per day toll.
In a statement released today Merseytravel said ” The proposals also include a 10p rise in the car cash toll taking it to £1.80 from April, which is 20p less than what the rise is authorised to be under the Tunnels Act.
“Under the Tunnels Act 2004, the tolls should rise in line with inflation, and would take a car cash toll to £2 for 2018/19.
“However, Transport Committee members can use their discretion when setting tolls by taking economic and social factors into account – something that the Authority has consistently done in looking to keep toll levels as low as possible year on year.”
At present, just 55% of users hold a fast tag meaning that the remaining 45% could see potential increases of 20p per day to use the tunnel.
Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said: “As always, it is for political members to take a decision on the tunnel toll levels.
“However, reflecting on the past year, it is encouraging to see more than half of the people using the tunnel taking advantage of the benefits that a Fast Tag can bring.
“If the proposed changes are approved, it will give those people even further increased savings when travelling, especially during off-peak times.”
If approved by the LCRCA the new tolls would come into effect from Sunday 1st April 2018.