The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025, effective May 1st, 2025, revises tolls for the Tyne Tunnel.
The North East Combined Authority now sets the tolls, as specified in the Schedule.
The order revokes the previous 2024 toll revision order.
The new tolls increase the cost for cars, vans, and buses, with motorcycle tolls remaining at £0.
Arguments For
Increased Revenue for Infrastructure Maintenance: The toll increase generates additional revenue for the North East Combined Authority, enabling better maintenance and upkeep of the Tyne Tunnel infrastructure.
Funding for Future Improvements: The extra funds could be used to improve tunnel safety, efficiency, and ultimately benefit commuters with continued effective service.
Statutory Authority: The order is made under the powers conferred by existing legislation (Tyne and Wear Act 1976 and River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005), providing a legal basis for the toll revisions.
Alignment with previous actions: The revision follows previous instances of toll adjustments determined by the North East Combined Authority, demonstrating ongoing need to adjust fares for inflation and increased maintenance costs.
Arguments Against
Increased Cost of Travel for Commuters and Businesses: Higher tolls increase travel expenses for individuals and businesses using the tunnel, potentially impacting their budgets and economic activity.
Potential for Reduced Tunnel Usage: Increased tolls might dissuade some drivers from using the tunnel, potentially leading to congestion on alternative routes or reduced economic activity dependent on transit through the tunnel.
Impact on Low-Income Individuals and Households: The toll increase disproportionately affects low-income individuals, potentially exacerbating financial burdens.
Lack of Public Consultation: Concerns might arise if there wasn't sufficient public consultation and engagement in the decision-making process leading to the toll increase.
This Order may be cited as the River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025 and shall come into force on 1st May 2025.
This section provides the short title of the Order as the 'River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025' and states that it comes into effect on May 1st, 2025.
From the coming into force date of this Order the tolls authorised in pursuance of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005 and set out in the Tyne Tunnel (Revision of Tolls and Traffic Classification) Order 2001 are revised so that the tolls which the North East Combined Authority may demand and recover in respect of all traffic passing through and into the tunnel crossing shall be those specified in the Schedule to this Order.
This section explains that starting on its effective date, this order revises the Tyne Tunnel tolls as authorized in the 2005 order and as detailed in the 2001 order.
The North East Combined Authority will now enforce the new toll rates as detailed in the Schedule.
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2024 is revoked.
This section revokes the River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order from 2024.
In this Order: “motorcycle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle having less than four wheels and, in a case where a cabin is provided, the cabin of which is not so constructed as to enclose the driver and any passenger; “the tunnel crossing” has the same meaning as in article 2(1) of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005.
This section defines key terms used within the order. 'Motorcycle' is defined as a vehicle with less than four wheels, where a cabin exists, it must not fully enclose the driver and passenger. 'The tunnel crossing' is defined as it is in Article 2(1) of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005.
SCHEDULE Article 2
| Class | Class of Vehicle | Toll (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycle (with or without sidecar) or power assisted cycle;Class 1 permit holder after discount | £0 |
| Class 2 | Mechanically propelled vehicle other than a vehicle in Class 1;Having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnesClass 2 permit holder after discount | £2.50£2.25 |
| Class 3 | Mechanically propelled vehicle other than a vehicle in Classes 1 and 2Class 3 permit holder after discount | £5.00£4.50 |
This schedule details the new toll rates for different vehicle classes.
Class 1 (motorcycles) remains at £0.
Class 2 (vehicles under 3.5 tonnes) is £2.50 (or £2.25 with a permit) and Class 3 (vehicles over 3.5 tonnes) is £5.00 (or £4.50 with a permit).
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order) This Order, made in consequence of a determination by the North East Combined Authority in accordance with paragraph 2, Schedule 14 of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005, increases the maximum toll for use of the Tyne Tunnel by cab, from £2.40 to £2.50 and by light goods vehicles, vans and buses over 3.5 tonnes from £4.80 to £5.00.
This explanatory note (not legally binding) clarifies that the order, based on a decision by the North East Combined Authority, raises the Tyne Tunnel toll for cars from £2.40 to £2.50 and for light goods vehicles, vans, and buses over 3.5 tonnes from £4.80 to £5.00.