Debate has broken out following proposals to charge UK motorists for driving through a 61-year-old tunnel that attracts 25 million drivers, cyclists and pedestrians every year
Brits could soon face charges for driving through a major UK tunnel in a controversial move that has been branded ‘outrageous’.
The Clyde Tunnel, which connects north-west and south-west Glasgow has long been a crucial part of the city’s transport infrastructure since fully opening back in 1964. Estimated to have cost £10.5 million to build, the two-way tunnels – which are both 762 metres long – were only expected to handle around 9,000 cars every day.
Today, they attract more than 25 million vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians each year. However, Glasgow City Council is now facing a yearly shortfall of around £820,000 for managing the road, due to it requiring regular maintenance and repairs.
READ MORE: Ryanair to shakeup free cabin bag size after major EU ruling
At a recent council meeting, Cllr Angus Millar, the convenor for climate, Glasgow Green Deal, transport and city centre recovery, said the council was continuing its talks with Transport Scotland* and local government body Cosla to discuss the upkeep of Clyde Tunnel. “The council has no specific proposals to introduce any road user charging in Glasgow,” he said.
“However, members will be aware that the council has repeatedly stated its interest in further exploring possibilities around a boundary congestion charge and potential tolling at the Clyde Tunnel. Both [would] exempt Glasgow residents.”
According to The Times, Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney argued it isn’t ‘sustainable’ for Glasgow City Council to continue maintaining the tunnel without raising additional funds to cover the cost – which accounts for around 10 per cent of the city’s entire annual road maintenance budget. “Over the past decade, Glasgow city council has lost the equivalent of a full year’s worth of funding as a result of disproportionate SNP cuts to Glasgow, compounded by the constrained council boundary, meaning that many of the region’s most prosperous households do not contribute to the city’s tax base,” he added.
The politician concluded that a toll for vehicles using the tunnel who aren’t registered within the Glasgow boundary is therefore a ‘reasonable proposal in line with European norms’. However, other MSPs have slammed the proposals – arguing it would ‘punish’ workers, families and patients travelling to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
“Many of the hospital’s dedicated staff commute from outside the city, and this charge would clobber them simply for driving to work,” said Annie Wells, a Scottish Conservative MSP for Glasgow. She branded the move ‘outrageous’ – scathing the council for even ‘considering’ plugging the funding gap through a traveller toll.
It is unlikely that any form of toll would be introduced until after the Scottish Parliament elections next year. No specific details on how much UK motorists would be charged for using the tunnel have been announced.
*The tunnel is not a designated A road meaning Transport Scotland does not have responsibility for its management.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.