Campaigner says Humber Bridge tolls can be axed
MOVES by both major political parties to review and tackle the Humber Bridge tolls have been welcomed by a leading campaigner.
Jenny Walton, who chairs Humber Action Against Tolls, has rallied support against the controversial charges for years.
She met with shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers yesterday to tell her story.
Mrs Walton said: "I think the last nine years of campaigning is now really coming to a head.
"They say oaks from little acorns grow - this is the best chance. It's very positive.
"We have always wanted the Government to listen to us and now they are. But the fact Sadiq Khan is listening does not mean to say we will get what we want, when we want it.
"We will keep on campaigning."
Ms Villiers told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: "I think we need to review all the issues around the tolls - so that is toll levels, the economic impact that the tolls have and the financial impact on surrounding communities.
"That is why I have announced that if we are elected at the next general election there will be a Treasury led-review of the issue.
"I welcome the fact it looks as if the Government is starting to wake up to the seriousness of the problem."
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
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by Boatman, Under the bridge
Friday, October 30 2009, 5:19PM
“Nasty Tories, unlike our Labour Government who after 12 years in power have got round to considering the future of toll charges which are at an all time high. We'll keep the red flag flying here!”
by Geoff, Ashby
Friday, October 30 2009, 4:11PM
“Message for Jenny Walton - not the time of year for it, but how about organising a pic-nic on the bridge as they did in Sydney last week?”
by Nigel, Under the weather
Friday, October 30 2009, 1:15PM
“This is just election vote grabbing.
On October 8th 2009 Scunthorpe Telegraph printed the following -
"shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers stated the party could not commit to lowering or scrapping the toll due to the state of public finances."
AND
"But, given the state of the public finances, it is not possible to commit to lowering or scrapping the toll at this stage."
So please Conservatives if you get elected at the next election please do not waste our money on a review which you have clearly shown would not achieve anything.
Martin Vickers and Andrew Percy should be ashamed of themselves on Look North last night. They were just like the oldfashioned glamourous assistants without the glamour.
You will not address our problems as your leaders clearly told us early this month.”
by Gordon Onad, Barton
Friday, October 30 2009, 12:40PM
“Another day, another bridge toll story. It should have its own column.”
by Mrs K, By the Humber
Friday, October 30 2009, 11:23AM
“I remember that story a few weeks ago as well. The Tories said they would do nothing on the tolls. And the Tories have ignored the fact that a report on the economic impact has already been done and given to the minister. No mention by the Tories either of the petition presented to parliament this week. Its a case of too little too late for the Tories.”