No plans to scrap fees for tunnel

THE Tyne Tunnel is unlikely to follow the example of the Severn Bridge in becoming free to use any time soon, transport bosses have said.

Tolls on the crossing between England and Wales were scrapped this month – it previously cost £5.60 to head into the principality via the route, although it was free to leave.

The decision prompted speculation that charges could also be abolished on Tyneside.

But Paul Woods, the North East Combined Authority’s (NECA) chief finance officer, said it would be more difficult justify such a decision in the region.

“The issue is who should pay?” he told a NECA Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

“Is it the users of the tunnel, or local council taxpayers, or businesses, or the Government?”

He added the move to scrap tolls on the Severn Bridge had been driven by a wider economic plan for South East Wales and South West England.

And he added, unlike the Severn, there were other options for crossing the Tyne which don’t involve charges, although they may include more traffic and congestion.

Tolls for the tunnel are due to increase by 10p for cars and 20p for heavy goods vehicles next year.

Mr Woods also spoke about proposals which could see the barriers removed from the tunnel, with drivers given the chance to pay later online.

He said: “Unlike in London, where you can inadvertently go in and out of the congestion charge zone, here it would be very clear when you were approaching the tunnel.”