'Unfair that it should come to this'

THE company responsible for the new Tyne Tunnel, TT2, have already warned there could be no benefit to motorists from the new road if the Silverlink roundabout is not upgraded.

North Tyneside Mayor John Harrison said he will be "exploring all options" as he and tunnel boss Trevor Jackson prepare to visit Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon with the toll proposals.

Business leaders have reacted cautiously to news that motorists using the new Tyne Tunnel could effectively be paying twice when they travel along the route. Alan Moses, chairman of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade for 12 years, said: "The Government really should be putting its hand in its pocket and helping out here.

"It is terrible that motorists will be hit with another charge, when we already contribute so much.

"And I have nothing against the mayor, I can see exactly where he is coming from and I know he is a difficult situation.

"But as an individual I detest road charges, even if I can see the immediate benefits.

"It is very unfair that the Government should not offer to help here, and I would hope our MPs can put pressure on the Government to say the mayor should not be forced to consider these options."

Mike Parker, from the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "There has to be something done about the problems on the A19 and we are glad Mr Harrison recognises this. There are some serious issues that are going to have to be looked at and assessed very carefully before any decision is made.

"But certainly it is just nonsensical to have two high quality routes under the river and gridlocked traffic at roundabouts on either side."