DRIVERS using the Mersey Tunnels are facing the prospect of a further rise in tolls.

The increase for a family car could rocket by an inflation-busting 20p to £1.70.

The proposed hike was revealed in a letter to the Merseytravel board from its resources director.

The transport authority caused an outcry in January when the board narrowly voted to increase tolls by ten pence to £1.50.

The 18-strong group was split down the middle and the increase was controversially forced through on the casting vote of chairman, Sefton Labour councillor Mark Dowd.

Board member Wirral Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley was dismayed at the January rise and is now urging the authority to resist any further increase.

He said that under the Tunnels Act 2004, toll increases are triggered by rises in inflation.

The UK inflation rate is presently running at 5.2% although the Bank of England projects it "is likely to fall back sharply through 2012."

Councillor Blakeley said: ”As an authority, the Act means we have to accept that increases will be recommended.

“It has given Merseytravel carte blanche over setting the toll.

"But I would hope the authority when it meets in February won’t impose an increase.

“From my point of view I think the current price of £1.50 is enough.”

John McGoldrick from Merseytunnel Users’ Association said: “It’s yet another tax on the motorist - these tolls should be removed.

“They certainly should not be increased every year, these tunnels actually do make a profit.

“The tolls are already expensive and times are pretty hard for a lot of people.

“We will be contacting Merseytravel giving our reasons why the tolls shouldn’t go up and would urge Wirral people to voice their objections with councilors and MPs.

“What we need is more people to complain.”

Charges for lorries could jump to £3.40, rising to £6.90 for the largest vehicles. The final decision on tolls is scheduled to be made in February, 2012.

Merseytravel declined to comment.