The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026
This Statutory Instrument, The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026, exercises powers granted under the Tyne and Wear Act 1976 and the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005 to revise the maximum tolls that the North East Combined Authority can demand for traffic using the Tyne Tunnel crossing, setting the new rates specified in the attached Schedule, effective from May 1, 2026, and simultaneously revoking the previous 2025 revision Order.
Arguments For
Ensures that toll charges remain adequate to cover the operational, maintenance, and financing costs associated with the Tyne Tunnel infrastructure, reflecting potential inflationary pressures or necessary capital works.
Implements the determination made by the North East Combined Authority, thereby supporting local governance in managing the infrastructure asset according to powers granted under previous legislation.
The revision maintains a tiered charging structure that potentially incentivizes lower-impact vehicles (Class 1) by maintaining zero tolls for them, while adjusting commercial vehicle rates (Classes 2 and 3) to ensure fair cost recovery.
Arguments Against
Increases the direct cost burden on regular commuters and commercial operators using the tunnel, potentially impacting local business overheads and private spending in the North East region.
The revision follows the revocation of the 2025 Order, raising questions about the stability or necessity of frequent changes to the charging regime.
While the Schedule shows a zero toll for Class 1 motorcycles, the increase for larger vehicles (e.g., Class 2 from £2.50 to £2.60) is the mechanism used to reflect financial requirements, which may be seen as disproportionate by affected users.
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
2026 No. 403
HIGHWAYS, ENGLAND
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026
Made - - - -
3rd April 2026
Coming into force - -
1st May 2026
This details the legislative classification of the document as a Statutory Instrument from 2026, numbered 403, concerning Highways in England.
It establishes that the Order was formally made on April 3rd, 2026, and is scheduled to legally come into force at the start of May 1st, 2026.
The Secretary of State for Transport, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 13(2) of the Tyne and Wear Act 1976( 1 ) and Schedule 14 of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005( 2 ), makes the following Order.
The Secretary of State for Transport created this Order by using specific legal authorities derived from Section 13(2) of the Tyne and Wear Act 1976 and Schedule 14 of the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005.
These powers grant the authority to amend existing toll regulations for the tunnels.
- This Order may be cited as the River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026 and shall come into force on 1st May 2026.
Article 1 states the official short title of the legislation is 'The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026'.
It confirms that the legal provisions contained within the Order become effective on May 1st, 2026.
- 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( 3 ) 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.
Article 2 mandates that upon the Order's commencement date, the existing tolls for the Tyne Tunnel crossing, originally authorized under the 2005 Order and fixed by the 2001 Order, are officially replaced.
The new maximum tolls that the North East Combined Authority can charge for all traffic entering or passing through the tunnel are detailed exclusively in the Schedule attached to this new Order.
- The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2025( 4 ) is revoked.
This Article formally cancels or voids the previous order concerning the revision of Tyne Tunnel tolls, specifically The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2025.
- 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.
Article 4 provides definitions for terms used in the legislation. 'Motorcycle' is defined as a motorized vehicle with fewer than four wheels, which must not have a cabin fully enclosing the driver and passengers if a cabin exists. 'The tunnel crossing' refers to the defined area of the tunnel system as previously established in the 2005 Order.
( 1 ) 1976 c. xxxvi amended by S.I. 2005/2222.
( 2 ) S.I. 2005/2222.
( 3 ) S.I. 2001/2960.
( 4 ) S.I. 2025/449.
This section provides the legislative references and citations for the Acts and previous Statutory Instruments mentioned throughout the Order, detailing where the powers originate and which prior regulations are being amended or revoked.
| Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. |
A status note indicates that the version presented is the exact text as when the Order was first enacted, and it has not yet been updated to show any subsequent amendments.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
Samantha Collins-Hill A Senior Civil Servant in the Department for
Transport
3rd April 2026
This confirms the official signing of the Order by Samantha Collins-Hill, a Senior Civil Servant acting under the authority of the Secretary of State for Transport, on the date April 3rd, 2026.
SCHEDULE
Article 2
| Class | Class of Vehicle | Toll (£) | |---------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Class 1 | Motorcycle (with or without sidecar) or power assisted cycle; | £0 | | | Class 1 permit holder after discount | £0 | | Class 2 | Mechanically propelled vehicle other than a vehicle in Class 1; | £2.60 | | | Having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes | | | | Class 2 permit holder after discount | £2.34 | | Class 3 | Mechanically propelled vehicle other than a vehicle in Classes 1 and 2 | £5.20 | | | Class 3 permit holder after discount | £4.68 |
The Schedule details the new revised maximum tolls applicable from May 1, 2026, categorized by vehicle class.
Class 1 (motorcycles) remain free (£0), and discounted rates are provided for permit holders in Classes 2 and 3.
Class 2 (vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) have a maximum toll of £2.60, while Class 3 (heavier vehicles) have a maximum toll of £5.20.
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 £2.50 to £2.60 and by light goods vehicles, vans and buses over 3.5 tonnes from £5.00 to £5.20.
The Explanatory Note clarifies that this Order implements a decision made by the North East Combined Authority based on its governing legislation.
Specifically, it increases the maximum toll for taxis (cabs) from £2.50 to £2.60, and for heavy goods vehicles, vans, and buses exceeding 3.5 tonnes from £5.00 to £5.20, noting that this Note itself is not legally binding as part of the Order.
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