Tyne Tunnels Campaign Update

I have now received a response from the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps MP regarding my letter to the Government urging them to sustain the Tyne Tunnels through the Coronavirus pandemic and to provide support in the long-term.

The Tyne Tunnels are a key piece of critical transport infrastructure in Tyne and Wear. Operators Tyne Tunnel 2 (TT2) have worked to keep the tunnels open for key workers and the emergency services during the coronavirus pandemic. The significant reduction in traffic volumes has seen revenue fall dramatically, with TT2 reporting an over 90% drop.

In response to me the Minister did offer a meeting, along with the other Tyne and Wear MPs, with the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere. We have agreed to meet in September where we will reinforce our case.