News that the price of using the Mersey Tunnels is set to go up could be the final push that takes our 'Direct train between Heswall and Liverpool' petition beyond the 1,000 signatures mark.

The Liverpool City Region's Combined Authority has mooted a 20p increase to the tolls of the Kingsway and Queensway tunnels.

If the recommended rise is approved later this month it will end a five year period of fixed prices. The Combined Authority argues that the increase is needed because of lack of public money and the increasing costs of the tunnels' maintenance.

It also says the new tolls will compensate for loss of revenue caused by the pandemic and the restrictions that have come with it, and permit investment in supporting important public transport services.

Which is where Heswall and district comes in - a future direct rail service between the town and Liverpool would reduce car usage, save commuters and day trippers money, and be better for the environment. This is why we launched a petition asking that Heswall is not left behind as public transport policy is shaped. At time of writing, 960 people have signed - and many thanks to all of you.

If the price rises are approved later this month, a trip through a tunnel in a car will increase from £1.80 to £2.00.

If you make the crossing with the Liverpool City Region resident discount and a Fast Tag the toll will rise from £1.00 to £1.20.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the public sector over the past two years and the Combined Authority is not immune to that. The costs of keeping our region running, supporting the local economy through the worst of the pandemic and investing to kickstart our recovery have been significant and will continue to be felt for some time.

"The government's failure to deliver its promise of 'whatever it takes' in funding support has tied our hands financially. It means that difficult decisions need to be taken to keep vital public services running while also investing for the future."

Investing for the future could well include working out how to marry up the Transport for Wales Borderlands Line, on which Heswall sits, with the electrified service of Merseyrail.

Steve Rotheram added: "The Mersey Tunnels are a critical part of our region's infrastructure and require significant, year-round maintenance yet we receive no central government help to keep them running safely and efficiently.

"Given the financial pressures the pandemic has forced on us – and the moral duty we have to tackle the climate emergency – we have taken the decision this year to raise Mersey Tunnel tolls to help us balance the books and continue to develop a London-style transport system that offers people a reliable, affordable alternative to the car."

If you want to find out more about our petition, and perhaps feel inclined to sign and join 960 other people, please click or tap here.