It was announced today (January 6) that the cost of travelling through the Mersey Tunnels is set to increase under new plans.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority shared that the update proposed for the tunnels for 2022/2023 would see rates rise by 20p from April 1, if proposals are approved this month.

READ: Mersey Tunnel tolls set to rise under plans

The rise, which is said to be in response to increasing public sector budget pressures, would be the first time in five years.

We asked Globe readers what they thought about the announcement over on our Facebook.

Ken Pemberton commented: “Rip off. To say it is partly to recover some money lost to lockdown is disgusting.

“Can restaurants, barbers, taxis etc use the same excuse? The tunnels will continue to raise the tolls forever. They should be free, in fact there should be no tolls on British roads, at least if there is no obvious alternative route.”

Nicola Brooks added: “It's not fair. People are struggling already with everything going up. They should leave it or scrap the toll completely.”

Michael Edwards said: “Using covid as an excuse is shameful, if it goes to £2 it should be capped at that against future rises.”

Tom Birkett posted: “It's a disgrace. The Conservative Party once campaigned for Mersey Tunnel tolls to be scrapped because the tunnel was part of the national road network (I know because I wrote some of the election leaflets).

“Now, sitting on a massive 80 seat majority - nothing. I don't want to sound disloyal, but I feel very strongly on this matter.”

Graeme Thelwell commented: “So basically another £2 per week if u work in Liverpool. Absolute disgrace that this is happening again.”

Despite a lot of readers upset over the new announcement, some readers were more open to the idea of the fee raise.

Edward Lamb posted: “The maintenance costs are high, plus we need to discourage car use.

Personally, I'd like to see a dedicated bus lane in the Birkenhead tunnel at peak times to increase capacity and see more people using public transport.”

Jordan Davies said: “It brings the cost in line with the Mersey gateway, so does make sense I guess, however I think the locals price should have stayed the same.”

Vivienne Vivienne commented: “Sounds fair it's only 20p.”

Laura Jones added: “Everything is being increased just not even surprised anymore.”

Adam Robinson said: “Everything has gone up. 20p increase if voted for is 1st increase in years more than inflation.

“I'm certainly not going to get upset of my tag price going up to £1.20. For anyone that lives in the Wirral Borough get a fast tag account. Put £20 on it & then cancel the direct debit. You can then top up as you go. Saves you 80p a crossing then.

“Merseytravel do use the funds to pay for other public services like making sure buses run or fund cut services. It goes towards paying for school bus services so children have cheapish way of getting into school.”

What do you think about the rising cost in tunnel toll fees? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.