29 April 2019
Tolls paid by drivers using the Tyne Tunnels are to increase at midnight on Sunday, 12 May. The new tolls will apply to motorists using the tunnels from Monday, 13 May and will increase by 10p for cars and 20p for heavy goods vehicles.
The North East Joint Transport Committee, which owns the Tyne Tunnels, has confirmed the new tolls will be £1.80 for cars and £3.60 for heavy goods vehicles, with pre-pay customers continuing to get a 10 per cent discount on each journey. Motorbikes and service buses use the tunnels toll-free.
The increase was agreed by the Tyne and Wear Sub-Committee as part of the budget in January.
The Tyne Tunnels remain an essential link for residents, visitors and businesses in the region and the tolls generate income which covers the cost to the Joint Transport Committee of the overall running of the Tyne Tunnels, including payments to TT2 for its operation, maintenance and financing costs of building the second tunnel. In addition, the Joint Transport Committee 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.
The second tunnel has benefited tens of thousands of daily commuters and provided much-improved infrastructure for regional, national and international business communities.
Road users have been informed about the forthcoming toll increases via electronic message signs on the approach to each tunnel.