PROTESTERS staged a demonstration on the day Mersey tunnel tolls went up to £1.50 each way for car drivers.

Demonstrators, including Wirral West MP Esther McVey, waved placards and banners from a bridge near the toll booths at the tunnel entrance in Wallasey.

Organisers from the Mersey Tunnels Users Association (MTUA) – who want to see the toll axed completely – said they were “disappointed” more people did not turn up for the protest.

But they said motorists using the Wallasey tunnel showed their support by waving or sounding their horns.

The 10p toll increase was narrowly passed at a meeting of Merseytravel councillors earlier this year. Heavy goods vehicles saw a steeper rise of 90p to £6.50.

MTUA spokesman John McGoldrick said that if it was not for the tunnel users’ group, toll increases would be higher and more frequent.

He added: “The only way that we will ever stop increases altogether and eventually get the tolls removed is if more people let the politicians know their views.

“In the past, we have suggested that instead of the profits going to Merseytravel, they should be used to pay for various concessions including no tolls on Sundays. That would help to unite families on Merseyside for 52 weeks of the year.