Drivers to pay more for journeys from Wednesday as Tyne Tunnel tolls to rise by nine per cent

Tyne Tunnel toll increases announced earlier this year come into force from this Wednesday.

A nine per cent hike on the toll was agreed on Thursday, January 18, to increase the cost of a single trip through the crossing by 20p for cars and 40p for lorries. From Wednesday, May 1, the toll for cars will be £2.40 instead of £2.20, and the class three vehicle toll for HGVs, LGVs, vans or buses over 3.5 tonnes will jump to £4.80, from £4.40.

Motorists who use a pre-paid Tyne Tunnel account will still get a 10% discount. A previous toll rise in 2023 was delayed due to to concerns over the impact of imposing higher fees during the cost of living crisis.

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However, the new changes were signed off at a North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC) meeting in Gateshead in January as councillors were told that the nine per cent toll increase was a contractual obligation and needed to keep up with repayments on debts incurred building the second Tyne Tunnel.

TT2, which operates the Tyne Tunnel, wrote in a letter to account holders: "Please ensure you have sufficient credit to cover journeys at the new toll price from May 1 2024. In January 2024, the North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC), Tyne and Wear Sub Committee confirmed that the Tyne Tunnels toll will be increasing to £2.40 for Class 2 vehicles and £4.80 for Class 3 vehicles.

"Pre-Paid Account holders will continue to receive a 10% discount on their journey, making the new toll for account holders £2.16 (Class 2) and £4.32 (Class 3). The Tyne Tunnels are an integral piece of the North East’s road network and are privately operated and maintained roads.

"The operation and construction costs of the tunnels are solely funded by tolls, not council tax, and the toll change, applied under the terms of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order, is necessary to cover the running and maintenance costs of the tunnels, and repay the costs of the construction of the second Tyne Tunnel, in-line with inflation."