MERSEY tunnel tolls will rise by 10p from April, in a move set to be voted through on Thursday.

A standard trip through the tunnels for a car will now cost £1.50.

The proposals from transport authority Merseytravel have already come under fire as the region suffers from the continuing effects of recession – but the authority claim the tolls “protect” the Wirral economy.

Last night, Merseytravel also faced criticism for delays in sending out the report recommending the increase to committee members, finally using taxis – at a cost of almost £200.

Wirral councillor Chris Blakeley said the reports were delivered at a cost of £183.80 on Friday afternoon.

He said: “I have checked with Merseytravel and postage would have been £18.72. That is £165 wasted. They have had since November to prepare this.”

Merseytravel said four taxis were used to deliver the reports in a “timely and appropriately secure manner” and this was cheaper than a courier.

The proposed toll increases are to be discussed at a meeting of the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority (MITA) on Thursday. They would see cars and other Class 1 vehicle tolls increase from £1.40 to £1.50.