Reply from MerseyTravel Regarding Info On Tunnels - 7th Jan 2014 5:53pm
Dear Mr King
Thank you for your recent comments regarding the Tunnel Toll Fee’s.
We are aware of the online petition and have clarified publically that no decision has yet been made on the toll level from April 2014. This will be taken by elected members of Merseytravel’s Integrated Transport Authority in February.
The Tunnel Toll setting process is actually covered by a piece of legislation known as the Tunnels Act 2004, which was an amendment to the County of Merseyside Act 1980. In effect, the 2004 Act looks to formalise the toll setting process and is designed to ensure the following: -
• The level of toll remains in line with inflation and therefore remains broadly in line with other costs associated with cross river travel costs (bus and rail fares).
• The tolls cannot be increased above the rate of inflation, a commitment that not many organisations can make during these difficult financial times.
• The Tunnels do not become a burden on the local council tax payer.
• The income generated by the toll revenue is used to reduce the debt and fund the operation, maintenance and development of the Tunnels infrastructure.
• Any surplus funds remaining are then used for other transport related schemes across Merseyside as determined by our Local Transport Plan.
The current debt outstanding on the Tunnels infrastructure is scheduled to end in 2048. The 2004 Act makes reference to the process that should be adopted once the debt is repaid and confirms that the people of Merseyside will be fully consulted at that time in order to determine the nature of the tolls collection process.
I should stress that even after 2048; the Act does not indicate that tolls will be abolished. We have to recognise that there are significant costs associated with the operation, maintenance and development of the Tunnels and those costs must be met. We should also recognise that the two Tunnels are nearly 80 years old and 41 years old respectively, with continual upgrade and development required in order to ensure we can continue to operate both Tunnels and meet customer demand.
I hope this information helps you understand the background in a little more detail.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Walker
Customer Feedback Team
People and Customer Development
Merseytravel, PO Box 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN
Email: [email protected]
Thank you for your recent comments regarding the Tunnel Toll Fee’s.
We are aware of the online petition and have clarified publically that no decision has yet been made on the toll level from April 2014. This will be taken by elected members of Merseytravel’s Integrated Transport Authority in February.
The Tunnel Toll setting process is actually covered by a piece of legislation known as the Tunnels Act 2004, which was an amendment to the County of Merseyside Act 1980. In effect, the 2004 Act looks to formalise the toll setting process and is designed to ensure the following: -
• The level of toll remains in line with inflation and therefore remains broadly in line with other costs associated with cross river travel costs (bus and rail fares).
• The tolls cannot be increased above the rate of inflation, a commitment that not many organisations can make during these difficult financial times.
• The Tunnels do not become a burden on the local council tax payer.
• The income generated by the toll revenue is used to reduce the debt and fund the operation, maintenance and development of the Tunnels infrastructure.
• Any surplus funds remaining are then used for other transport related schemes across Merseyside as determined by our Local Transport Plan.
The current debt outstanding on the Tunnels infrastructure is scheduled to end in 2048. The 2004 Act makes reference to the process that should be adopted once the debt is repaid and confirms that the people of Merseyside will be fully consulted at that time in order to determine the nature of the tolls collection process.
I should stress that even after 2048; the Act does not indicate that tolls will be abolished. We have to recognise that there are significant costs associated with the operation, maintenance and development of the Tunnels and those costs must be met. We should also recognise that the two Tunnels are nearly 80 years old and 41 years old respectively, with continual upgrade and development required in order to ensure we can continue to operate both Tunnels and meet customer demand.
I hope this information helps you understand the background in a little more detail.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Walker
Customer Feedback Team
People and Customer Development
Merseytravel, PO Box 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN
Email: [email protected]