IN response to Tony West's letter Tunnel tolls increase is bad for Wirral (December 17, 2014) I want to clarify that no decision has been taken over toll levels as yet.
Recommendations will be drawn up for Members to consider in February as part of the overall Merseytravel budget-making process.
Under the Tunnels Act 2004, the authorised toll for the next financial year is determined from a calculation based on the November RPI.
However, the actual toll levels can be set lower than the authorised amount.
Tunnel toll revenue covers the significant cost of operating and maintaining the tunnels, plus repaying the residual debt from their construction and upkeep, which is due to be paid off in 2048.
Only projects built on approval from government as part of the national road network are funded via road tax and general taxation.
The Mersey tunnels remain outside this.
Frequent users can benefit from reduced tolls by getting a Fast Tag. Currently, each journey is 30p cheaper than paying by cash toll.
Should anybody want more information about the Mersey Tunnels, the most common questions and answers can be found in the “About us” section at merseytravel.gov.uk
Frank Rogers, Merseytravel deputy chief executive and director of integrated transport services.
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