Drivers heading through the Tyne Tunnel have until May 2023 to prepare themselves for a major price hike. Councillors recently voted to increase the crossing cost for car drivers by 30p and by 50p for HGV drivers.
Councillors voted to increase the price of the toll for using the busy crossing but decided to defer the hike from next February until May because of the major financial pressures already set to hit North East households this winter.
Members of the North East Joint Transport Committee’s Tyne and Wear sub-committee were told that the toll needed to increase at a higher rate than usual because of the escalating levels of inflation and to pay back the debts incurred in building the second tunnel
Read more: Tyne Tunnel toll will rise by up to 50p in 2023 as councillors warned of 'astonishing' energy bills
Blue Badge holders are entitled to free crossings, but they must apply online via the TT2 website. But how much does it actually cost to use the Tyne Tunnel now and how much will it cost in the future?
Tyne Tunnel prices as of November 2022
At the moment, drivers pay different amounts depending on the class of their vehicle. For drivers who use the crossing regularly, a pre-paid account also currently offers a 10% discount.
| Class | Cost per crossing | Pre-paid account fee |
| Class 1: Motorcyclist or Disability-registered vehicle | Free | Free |
| Class 2: Car, Van or Bus less than 3.5 tonnes | £1.90 | £1.71 |
| Class 3: LGV, Van or Bus over 3.5 tonnes | £3.90 | £3.51 |
Predicted Tyne Tunnel prices as of May 2023
The original plans to hike prices in February 2023 were deferred by councillors following the increasing cost of living. It is expected that the 10% discount will continue for pre-paid account holders, but this is not confirmed.
| Class | Cost per crossing | Pre-paid account fee |
| Class 1: Motorcyclist or Disability-registered vehicle | Free | Free |
| Class 2: Car, Van or Bus less than 3.5 tonnes | £2.20 | £1.98 |
| Class 3: LGV, Van or Bus over 3.5 tonnes | £4.40 | £3.96 |
How much are fines for the Tyne Tunnel?
If you fail to pay the toll charge for your crossing by midnight the day after your journey, this will result in an Unpaid Toll Charge Notice (UTCN) being issued. A UTCN will initially cost £30 plus the original toll fee if paid within 14 days, following that the fine rises to £60 plus the original toll fee.
Failure to pay the charge within 28 days will incur a further charge of £100 and will be pursued via a third-party debt collection agency. There is an option to appeal any fines, during which the timer stops, details of this are available from TT2.
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