Bridge chiefs meet to discuss tolls
A POTENTIAL fresh rise in the Humber Bridge tolls will be discussed at tomorrow's Bridge Board meeting.
The Humber Bridge Board will meet tomorrow to discuss its 2010-11 future budget proposals.
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Bridge users face the prospect of increased tolls later in the year as the board meet to discuss the latest budget.
The report lays out three options to secure the Bridge Board's long-term finances, including raising tolls later in the year, slashing spending, and increasing income investment assumptions.
The board's immediate financial future was secured by a £6-million bail-out from the Department of Transport.
This followed transport minister Sadiq Kahn's decision to reject the Boards application to increase the tolls.
Michael Hudson, treasurer to the board, said: "On average it takes around 9 months from point of application to a decision by the Secretary of State.
"This could potentially give an additional income of around £300,000 to £500,000 but would require a public inquiry."
However with the Department of Transport grant expiring in 2011-12, it is likely a rise in the tolls would not provide the short-term funding needed.
Mr Hudson added: "Given that the debt agreement is due to be renegotiated in the Summer of 2010 it is suggested that as this would have little impact on the short term financial position this option be deferred.
For the full story buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
4 Comments
by Gordon Onad, Barton
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:10PM
“Another day, another bridge toll story in the ST.”
by anthony, Scunthorpe
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 11:52AM
“Well said Chris,this government will certainly hand out cash to all and sundry abroad.As for charity begins at home,never heard of it! Hang on is,nt it that character on Emmerdale?”
by Chris, Brigg
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 9:55AM
“Ken, It's not a case of whinging. It's the huge amount of interest this Govt want. The bridge would have been long paid for if it
wasn't for that. A realistic toll of say 50 pence per car each way would pay for the upkeep of it. We throw plenty of money at other countries - let's have a bit of the "charity begins at home".”
by ken, barrow
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 9:47AM
“we all new the humber bridge accorded tolls so why all the winging about it if you dont want to pay tolls go round by gool its only 70 miles see how much that costs you in week”