Tyne Tunnel announces toll increase for THIS type of vehicle

The price of crossing the Tyne Tunnel is rising by 20 p for drivers of certain vehicles.

Class 3 vehicles, which include LGVs, buses and vans over 3.5 tonnes in weight will now pay extra to use the important Tyneside road.

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.

Permit holders will still receive a 10% discount on their journey, making the new toll for account holders £3.51, up from £3.33.

The Tunnel says the price increase is necessary to keep up the maintenance of the tunnels in line with the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005 and with rising inflation.

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.

Operators have confirmed that 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 (the company responsible for the day-to-day management of the tunnels), 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.”

There will not be a price increase for cars at the moment.

Motorbikes, service buses and ambulances continue to use the Tunnel for free.