Rising tunnel tolls likely
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A PLEA for Government help to cover the £2m loss incurred by the Mersey Tunnels has been turned down •by the Min'ster for Transport, Dr John Gilbert. Instead, he has suggested an immediate increase in private car tolls and a rise in the toll for commercial vehicles "as and when necessary."
The Minister said that he could find no evidence that the tunnels could not be made viable again and deficits reduced if higher tolls were brought in and increased at intervals as other costs rise until a breakeven situation is achieved. Ratepayers should not have to subsidise tunnel users.
Dr Gilbert asked the Merseyside County Council to make an immediate application to up car tolls from 15p to 25p, the first rise in four years.
Dr Gilbert did not stipulate an increase for commercial vehicles but it is likely to be of the same order. But the county council says it will fight his suggestions since it believes the tunnels are part of the national road system and as such should get Government help.