OPPONENTS of a second proposed Tyne crossing yesterday began outlining their objections to the building of the tunnel.

A six-week inquiry started earlier this month into Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority's planned second tunnel, to run parallel to the original, linking the A19 between Jarrow, South Tyneside, with East Howden, North Tyneside.

Plans were drawn up to relieve congestion surrounding the existing tunnel, built in the 1960s, which regularly sees queues of traffic tailing back from either entrance at rush hour.

Over the past two-and-a-half weeks, the authority has put the case for the new crossing, backed by other bodies, including the Freight Transport Association and the North-East Chamber of Commerce.

The only individual voice in favour of the tunnel came from Norman Smith.

He highlighted the traffic problems which lead to tailbacks on the A19.

He said: "It is the one bottleneck still existing on the A19 from Teesside to north of the Tyne, where it joins the A1."

The first voices of opposition came yesterday afternoon from local pressure group Nectar, and the St Paul's Area Residents' Association, plus several individuals.

Among them was John Broderick who does not see the need for a second tunnel.

He said: "I do not believe more roads will necessarily solve the problems. Road closures have, in some cases, actually alleviated problems and congestion charging can prove a success as we are starting to see in London."