To the Editor

 It has been our observation that Lib Dems hate being characterised as a bunch of vacuous fence sitting centrists only capable of a direction once a strong wind of public opinion has already blown.

This unflattering portrait is rather exact in the case of the 7 Lib Dem Councillors on the Merseyside Transport Authority since they were unable to give any opinion on the increase in Tunnel Tolls and so abstained.

Perhaps they want to indicate that on contentious and important issue their faculties do not match the task and so leave this to others more able to make a decision.

 This issue is far too important to the thousands of people who use the tunnel, particularly commuters, for members to stand on the sidelines. As far as I can see if you fail to oppose an increase in a tax or charge you are supportive by default but lack the character to make the case for such extra money being taken from the public.

 In this particular instance it is just another burden upon the motorist who has already had to pay, at great expense so-called Road Tax and the crippling weight of duty on petrol and diesel. In Scotland the funds have been found to abolish tolls but here in Merseyside it seems the motorist is forced to pay at the pump and at the tollbooth without restraint.

 These tolls are just another tax and those who support tax increases should come out and be accountable not hide behind the ambiguous status of abstention.

 Cllr Chris Lenton and Cllr Steve Radford, Liberal Party,