Protesters today gathered at the Wallasey tunnel in order to continue to fight against Mersey tunnel tolls.
UKIP deputy leader Paul Nuttall joined protestors taking part in the ‘Say No To Toll’ campaigners rallying against the toll who argue that it was a “slap in the face” for motorists.
Protestors carrying large yellow signs, unhealthy some of which included the UKIP logo came together on the Oakdale Road Brige of Wallasey.
A report published last month said that the tunnels make a surplus revenue of £12m – which Mr Nuttall described as a “slap in the face” for motorists.
He said: “It is absolutely outrageous that Liverpool’s Mayor Joe Anderson wants to get his hands on the money extorted from motorists who have no choice but to use the Mersey tunnels .
“The think tank ResPublica has thrown up this idea and highlighted the fact that the tunnels make a surplus revenue of between £12m – £14m a year. What a slap in the face to the users.
“It is already bad enough that millions of the revenue already goes to subside Merseytravel.”
The think tank said in February that the money should be used to pay towards linking Liverpool to the high-speed rail network however Wirral Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said it should be used to help bring down costs for the people in Wirral instead .
Say No to the tunnel toll protest on Oakland bridge Wallasey.
He said: “My view remains that the surplus on the tunnels should continue to go towards bringing down the cost for Wirral residents.”
John McGoldrick, illness secretary of the Mersey Tunnels Users Association, said the suggestion of using tunnel tolls to help fund the rail link was “scandalous”.
The Merseytravel committee approved plans to cut pre-paid tolls and free fares for other motorists.
The tunnels will also be free on Christmas Day and emergency vehicles will not be charged, the committee decided in February.