THE COST of using the Mersey tunnels could rise by up to 20p.

Merseytravel would be able to charge s1.70 for a single car trip from April under an inflation-linked trigger.

Currently, the transport authority has the option to charge s1.60 for journeys known as the authorised toll but has in place a discounted actual toll of s1.50

A full meeting of Merseytravel councillors will next month decide whether a similar discount scheme will remain.

Campaigners said any increases would be regarded as "another tax on the motorist

Mersey Tunnels Users Association spokesman John  McGoldrick said: One of the things Merseytravel is supposed to do by law when it decides to implement toll increases is to look at the state of the economy.

It is difficult to see how it  can look at the economy  locally and nationally and conclude now is a good time  to hike up prices.

We do not welcome  anything which will make it  more difficult for motorists to cross the river or  potentially harm local  businesses.

Authorised  tolls the amount Merseytravel is allowed to charge rise in line with the Retail Prices Index, the  inflation level.

If they were approved,  tolls could go up to a maximum of s3.40 for  class 2, s5.20 for class 3, and  s6.90 for class 4 vehicles.

A report was noted this afternoon by  Merseytravels tunnels,  ferries and visitor economy  committee.