Drivers look set to be hit with a toll hike of at least 30p to use the Tyne Tunnel next year.
The cost of taking a car through the crossing could rise from £1.90 to £2.20 in 2023, a new report has revealed, while the price for HGVs could go up from £3.90 to £4.40. Councillors will be asked to sign off on the increases next week, but might decide to delay the toll increase for a few months in order to avoid causing extra financial hardship for struggling families during the cost of living crisis.
The new rate for cars could be brought in as early as February 1 next year, but it has been suggested that it could be put on hold until May 2023 – the same time as the new HGV toll is due to come into force. North East transport bosses admitted that any toll rise “will be unwelcome news”, but say that a price hike will be needed to balance the books at a time of escalating inflation.
