Plans to increase Mersey Tunnel tolls have been blasted by Wirral Council's leader as "knee-jerk."

The Merseytravel board meets on Thursday and is expected to rubber-stamp plans for a 10p hike in the charge.

It would see the cost of a one-way trip through the tunnel rise to £1.50.

Wirral Council leader Jeff Green said: "Wirral's economy is still suffering the effects of the last Government's economic 'bust'.

"Many Wirral people depend on travelling through the tunnel for their employment and have had their pay frozen, or cut.

"This is not the time for a rise in the tolls - I urge all members of Merseytravel - of all parties and from all districts - not to burden the hard-pressed people of Wirral with a toll rise at this time."

He added: "We have jobs and families that rely on the tunnels and I would ask Merseytravel to have their interests in the forefront of their minds when taking this decision.

"I understand that Merseytravel have built up significant reserves from tunnel users and I would urge them to consider the economic impact on Wirral and the wider City Region before taking this unnecessary and knee-jerk action."