Tunnel users in Liverpool and Wirral are to face the threat of a 14 per cent increase in toll charges after a one-year "discount" to ease the blow in the current recession.
Councillors on the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority agreed to leave prices unchanged for a year, but to increase the car toll from 1pound and 40pence to 1pound 60pence from April 2010.
Tolls for commerical vehicles are scheduled to increase by a similar percentage in 2010
Proposals from Wirral Conservative Councillor Chris Blakeley for a discount for locals and a toll-free period from 6m to 6am were defeated.
John McGoldrick of the Mersey Tunnels Users Association said: "It is a relief that they were not rash enough to increase tolls immediately, but it is most disappointing that they appear to have agreed to put the tolls up next year.
"The tolls are an economic liability for this region in good times as well as bad.
"We have been paying tolls for over 75 years - the Birkenhead tunnel opened in December 1933 - and they should have been removed long ago.
"Those who voted for this increase and against the amendment are misinformed.
"The discount scheme was on the basis that the cost would be met by the Government which is in effect what is happening in Dartford.
"As for removing the tolls at night, the Tunnels are currently making a surplus of over six million pounds, which would have covered the loss of income at night.
"It is high time that this millstone round our necks was removed.
"I hope that all those who live and work in the region will press their local councillors and MPs to get the Government to take over the Tunnels and remove the tolls complete"
All those present at the meeting voted against the proposed discount and toll-free period apart from two Wirral Tories, Councillors Blakeley and Lewis.
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