Wirral 320

Last year, Merseytravel agreed to freeze tolls at 2008 levels for 12 months to ease the effect on drivers during the recession and it was expected the rate would increase to £1.60 in April this year, but members of the authority have been advised to keep them at their current level.

Earlier this week, a report commissioned by Merseytravel claimed traffic in the Mersey tunnels would increase by 40% and cause 20-minute queues in rush hour if the tolls were completely removed.

It also concluded that lifting tolls would cost the Wirral economy £80m and 600 jobs.

However, it is understood Cllr Blakeley and his group will be seeking a reduction in tolls rather than to remove them entirely.

He said: “The Conservative group are moving an amendment, but we will listen to all the arguments for and against – we do not want to be accused of predetermination.”

Wirral councillor Dave Mitchell, one of nine Lib-Dems on the authority, said he could not comment until he had seen the Tory amendment, and a Merseytravel spokesman said they could not comment before the meeting.