The new toll will be £1.10 for private motorists. But permit holders will pay only 99p per journey through the tunnel from January 1 – a discount of 10%.

Tunnels manager Peter Hedley says: “Paying with two coins instead of one could be a bit less convenient for our customers. Investing in a permit will get motorists through the tunnel for less than they are paying now and will be more convenient for them too.”

Tolls for HGVs will rise from £1.20 to £1.50 but permit holders will pay only £1.35 per journey.

The increase in tolls is part of the transitional arrangements in the development of the New Tyne Crossing.

Paul Fenwick, project director of the New Tyne Crossing, said: “By increasing tolls in small incremental amounts 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.

Motorists wishing to sign up for a permit can call 0191 2624451 between 9am and 3pm or fax 0191 263 1031 or email [email protected]

Ends

Issued by Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations. Media contacts: Richard Simpson 07821 537106 or Felicity Amer 0191 281 8833.

Note to editors:

1. The New Tyne Crossing is the project to finance, design, build, maintain and operate a second vehicle tunnel linking the A19 under the River Tyne between East Howdon (North Tyneside) and Jarrow (South Tyneside) and to maintain and operate the existing vehicle, pedestrian and cycle tunnels for a concessionary period of around 30 years.
2. Work is expected to start in 2008 and to be completed by 2011.
3. Tendering for the project is currently taking place and a preferred bidder is expected to be announced in the spring of 2007.
4. The second vehicle tunnel will be constructed using immersed tube technology. Once it is open to traffic, a major upgrade of the existing vehicle tunnel will be carried out. This is expected to take between six and nine months.
5. The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority is the sponsor of the New Tyne Crossing and is working in partnership with North Tyneside and South Tyneside Councils.
6. For further background information see www.newtynecrossing.info.