Tyne Tunnels’ tolls to rise on January 1st
News date: 20/12/2011
Tolls at the Tyne Tunnels are to rise on January 1st as planned following the successful completion of the New Tyne Crossing project.
Car drivers will pay £1.40 per journey, an increase of 20p. Heavy goods drivers will pay £2.00, an increase of 50p per journey.
Permit holders will continue to receive a discount of 10 per cent on each journey through the tunnels.
Motorbikes and service buses are toll-free.
The increases, the first since work began on the second tunnel in 2008, have been approved by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
Paul Fenwick, Project Director for the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority, said: “Since both tunnels became operational in November, journey times have reduced dramatically and the long queues are a thing of the past.
“The increase in tolls is essential to help finance the investment in the New Tyne Crossing, represents excellent value for money, and is still below the 2 shillings and sixpence (12.5p) cars paid at the Tyne Tunnel when it opened in 1967 when adjusted for inflation.”
Issued on behalf of the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority by Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations