A TOLL increase for certain vehicles at the Tyne Tunnel will come into force next month after transport bosses called the move “a necessary task” to ensure the operating costs of the vital road link.

From April 11, the fee for ‘class three’ vehicles will increase by 20p, which will see drivers of LGVs, buses and vans over 3.5 tonnes having to fork out more to go through the tunnel.

The North East Joint Transport Committee, which owns the Tyne Tunnels, confirmed at its meeting in January 2022 that the new toll will increase from £3.70 to £3.90.

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Despite the increase, permit holders will still receive a ten per cent discount on their journey, making the new toll for account holders £3.51, up from £3.33.

The upkeep and construction costs of the tunnels are solely funded by tolls, not council tax, and the toll increase, applied under the terms of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005, is “necessary to cover the running and maintenance costs of the tunnels”, according to the transport committee.

It will be the first increase for Class 3 vehicles since August 2020 and is linked to the Retail Price Index (PRI) figures approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The Northern Echo: There is no suggestion that there will be an increase for cars any time soon. Picture: TT2.There is no suggestion that there will be an increase for cars any time soon. Picture: TT2.

However, there will be no further revisions to the tolls within the next 12 months.

Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, Cllr Martin Gannon, said: “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, which has benefited tens of thousands of daily commuters since it opened in 2011.

“In addition, the Joint Transport Committee has loans and other operating costs which need to be covered by the toll revenue, hence the necessary increase come April.”

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There is currently no increase for cars and motorbikes, service buses, ambulances and fire vehicles continue to use the tunnels toll-free.

As of November 8, 2021, all road users have been able to drive straight through the Tyne Road Tunnels, without stopping, due to the introduction of a new barrierless tolling system. 

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