MP calling for discount tunnel toll for locals

May 31 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

A WIRRAL MP has called on the Government to take over the running of the Mersey Tunnels, the Daily Post can reveal.

Ben Chapman, MP for Wirral South, said he is hoping to persuade the Government to take control from Merseytravel and introduce discounts for local residents who use the tunnels.

The Government is currently consulting on plans to give locals an 80% discount on the Dartford crossing, near London. Mr Chapman said he knew there was little prospect of the Department for Transport (DfT) agreeing to take over the tunnels, but wanted to raise the profile of the issue.

He is still awaiting an answer to his question, asked before this week’s Parliamentary recess, and follows a number of questions he has asked on the subject.

Last night, a spokesman for the DfT said the Department would be giving Mr Chapman a response in due course.

A spokesman for Merseytravel said: “The Tunnels Act is in place and has been since 2004. This is something that has been considered previously; however, the question has been put forward and we will await a response.”

The Mersey Tunnel Users Association (MTUA) said it was pleased the issue was being raised, but wanted all tolls to be abolished.

Last night, Mr Chapman said: “It’s really a teasing question. I have got no real expectation of that happening [DfT taking over tunnels].

“The Government is saying the reason it can give a discount in Dartford is because it owns it.

“I am just trying to make the point that it is not a fair position.

“People on both sides of the Mersey suffer from the congestion and pollution from the tunnels, why should a discount not apply to them too?”

He said he was neither “pessimistic or optimistic” about whether he would succeed in getting discounts for residents.

“I am just going to continue trying my best.”

John McGoldrick, secretary of MTUA, said: “We believe it should be part of the road network, a passenger transport authority concerned with trains and buses should not be running roads.” He said local residents near the Dartford crossing were being offered 20p tolls – users of the Mersey Tunnels now pay £1.40.

“Why should the people of Merseyside be treated differently to those of Dartford?

“The Government has been forced to do it because of pressure from MPs.”