Plans to increase Mersey Tunnels tolls approved

The authority said the rise would help reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote public transport

Car drivers paying cash to use the Mersey Tunnels will have to find an extra 20p each time from April.

A single trip through the Kingsway and Queensway tunnels for class one vehicles -which covers most cars - will cost £2.30, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority confirmed.

It said the additional revenue would be used to help reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote public transport in the city region.

John McGoldrick, from the Scrap Mersey Tolls group, said the increase was "a disgrace".

'Increased running costs'

Residents with a discounted T-Flow account will see a 10p rise to £1.50 under the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The authority said the Queensway and Kingsway tunnels required millions of pounds of investment each year to keep them open and safe.

It said maintenance and electricity costs had increased considerably, with the latter costing £2m a year.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "We've tried to find a delicate balance between increased running costs, the necessary investment that we need, continued improvement and treasury management."

The authority also confirmed an increase in ferry fares from April.

A single crossing will increase by 10p to £3, while return trips will rise from £3.80 to £4.