A MOVE to cap the amount Merseytravel can increase tunnel tolls by has failed.

MPs opposed to the Mersey Tunnels Bill wanted the inflationary increase the tunnels operators sought kept in check.

But the bill's supporters defeated the proposed amendment by 165 votes to 57.

If the legislation makes it through Parliament, Merseytravel will be allowed to increase tolls in line with inflation from November 1999. Opponents had sought to prevent any increase being backdated and only allow the charges to go up in line with inflation from the November before the bill becomes law.

The controversial bill was being debated in the House of Commons last night in the latest stage of its tortuous journey through Parliament.

Those MPs objecting to the bill, led by Wirral South's Ben Chapman, tried to talk it out but their opponents once again managed to secure the votes necessary to block their filibuster.

But Labour MP Mr Chapman said he would do everything in his power to sink the legislation. In three hours, MPs managed to vote on only one of 19 amendments because of his blocking tactics.

Though some of the remaining will be voted on as a group, Parliamentary time must be found, but Mr Chapman claimed the Government was now helping the bill.

Mr Chapman alleged that Government whips were now unofficially encouraging MPs, most of whom have no Merseyside connections, to back the bill. Present during the debate, at various times, were Transport Secretary Alistair Darling and Transport Minister John Spellar.

Pledging to fight on, he said: "The Government is whipping the vote so it's going to be an uphill struggle. I think that this bill is extremely bad, not just for my constituents, but for the whole of Merseyside.

"It will give tax powers to a body that is unaccountable, Merseytravel. I intend to oppose it by all possible means."

But a spokesman for Merseytravel gave an upbeat assessment of last night's vote.

He said it was important the authority was allowed to increase tolls in line with inflation, rather than at present having to go through a public inquiry once the tunnels are in the red.

Merseytravel claim they need the money to pay off massive debts owed to the five local authorities who make up the Passenger Transport Authority.

But opponents claim those who have to use the tunnels are being used as cash cows to pay for transport elsewhere on Merseyside, which they may never use.