The increase, if approved, will be part of the transitional arrangements in the development of a second vehicle tunnel.

Paul Fenwick, project director of the New Tyne Crossing, said: “We know that tolls will have to rise to pay for the construction of the second vehicle tunnel and for the operation of all the tunnels under the river.

“By increasing tolls in small incremental amounts each year we hope that tunnel users will continue to see the Tyne Tunnel as a cost-effective option for their journeys.

“Tolls were increased to £1 for cars around five years ago, so a 10p rise is less than inflation over that period.”

It is estimated that the toll for cars at the Tyne Tunnel could range between £1.55 and £2.10 at today’s prices once the second vehicle tunnel is opened, which is expected to be in 2011.

If the Authority approves the increase, tolls for HGVs will rise from £1.20 to £1.50.

The tolls at the Tyne Tunnel when it opened in 1967 were 12.5p for cars and 20p for HGVs. If they had kept pace with inflation they would now be £1.58 for cars and £2.37 for HGVs.

If approved, the decision has to be ratified by the Secretary of State for Transport. The proposed increase will take effect from January 1 2007.

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