MERSEYTRAVEL'S chief executive, Neil Scales, is to join a strike which will plunge Merseyside into commuter chaos.
Both Mersey tunnels will close as thousands of workers walk out in a dispute over public sector pension rights.
It means more than 80,000 people having to find other ways of crossing the river.
But Mr Scales, the man with overall responsibility for public transport across the region, today said: "I am exercising my democratic right to strike."
Today business leaders condemned the tunnels closure as having a devastating effect on the region's economy.
The closure of the tunnels from 11.30 tonight until 12.30am
Wednesday was ordered by tunnels managers on health and safety grounds because maintenance and control room engineers will join in the strike action.
Director general Mr Scales, a member of Unison - one of 11 unions involved in the national strike action said: "It's a personal thing. It has nothing to do with the tunnels closing. I will be at the end of the phone if anything happens."
The tunnels will remain closed apart from access for the police, fire and ambulance services.
Mersey ferries will not operate during the stoppage. Commuter traffic will be catered for by Merseyrail Electrics who will honour cross-river tickets.
Merseyrail will also increase the number of carriages on the Wirral line.
Tomorrow's strike will hit council services like schools, leisure centres and bin collections.
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