TOLLS for motorists using a principal river crossing in the North-East rise by 10p overnight from Saturday to Sunday (May 21/22).

The new Tyne Tunnel tolls will apply to motorists using the A19 crossing from Jarrow, in South Tyneside, to Howden, North Tyneside, from midnight on Saturday (May 21).

Tunnel owners, the North East Combined Authority (NECA), confirmed the 10p increase will apply to both car and heavy goods drivers.

Authority members agreed the rise as part of its budget, confirmed in January.

It means that from Sunday, the tolls will be £1.70 for cars and £3.30 for heavy goods vehicles, with permit holders continuing to get a ten-per cent discount on each journey.

Motorbikes and services buses will continue to have use the tunnels toll-free.

It was said to be the first toll increase in more than two years and is linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) figures approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

But the authority has pledged that no further revisions can be made within the next 12 months.

Income generated by the toll charge cover the overall running and maintenance cost of the tunnel, along with the cost of developing the second tunnel in recent years.

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

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