Tyne Tunnel toll rise for large vehicles in August

TYNE Tunnel charges for larger vehicles are set to increase next month as transport bosses say they need the extra funds to pay off loans and operating costs.

Drivers of Class 3 vehicles – LGVs, buses and vans more than 3m high or three axles or more – will pay 10p more from the end of August.

The North East Joint Transport Committee, which owns the Tyne Tunnel, has confirmed the new toll for the tunnel will increase from £3.60 to £3.70.

Account holders will still receive a 10% discount on their journeys, making the new toll for account holders £3.33, an increase from £3.24.

There is no increase for cars, while motorbikes and service buses can continue to use the tunnels toll-free.

The increase should have been implemented in May, but was delayed to allow key workers and essential suppliers to travel easily through the tunnels during the lockdown period.

The two tunnels remain an essential link for residents, visitors and businesses in the region and the tolls collected generate income which covers the cost to the Joint Transport Committee for the overall running of the Tyne Tunnels.

These include payments to TT2 for its operation, maintenance and financing costs of building the second tunnel, which opened in February 2011.

In addition, the Joint Transport Committee also has loans and other operating costs which need to be covered by the toll revenue.

All the running costs of the tunnels and the repayment of investment is paid for through toll monies and not through council tax.

Road users will be informed about the forthcoming toll increases via electronic message signs on the approach to each tunnel.