BUSINESS leaders in the North-East are calling for an early start on the construction of an additional Tyne tunnel.

The Department of Transport is considering plans for a second tunnel, which has been lodged with the Government. Normal planning rules do not apply as it involves crossing shipping routes.

There is strong support for the £100m tunnel from the North East Chamber of Commerce, which claims the existing tunnel is struggling to cope with rising traffic levels. Members of the chamber say the construction of a second road tunnel is essential for future economic growth and job creation in Tyne and Wear and along the A19 corridor.

Membership director at the North East Chamber of Commerce, Llew Aviss, said: "We desperately need another river crossing as there is little scope for widening the western bypass. A new tunnel will allow the A19 to fulfil its potential for creating jobs and new businesses and will give the people in South Tyneside better access to jobs on the A19 and beyond."

Chairman of the chamber's Tyne and Wear committee, Nigel Robson, said: "A new tunnel will be a big asset to existing businesses in the area. At the moment, major blockages regularly occur."