Oh dear! For the record I live just outside Liverpool. The first Mersey Road Tunnel was opened in the 1930's, the second Tunnel in the 1970's. The first Runcorn bridge was opened around 1960 and free of tolls, the second is about to open. The first tunnel was supposed to be free when it was paid for, but charges were kept to pay for the second tunnel. Tolls are to be introduced on both Runcorn Bridges. The nearest "free" Mersey crossing is through a congested Warrington or along the M6.
I don't see it ever being toll free. Back in the 1950's it cost !/6 (7 and a half p) in the old tunnel and now the cost is £1.70 each way.
Perhaps all the Bridges across the Thames in London should have tolls! Imagine the furor!