MPs on holiday before bridge toll decision
MPs have left Westminster for their summer holidays before a decision is announced on the Humber Bridge toll increase.
The Bridge Board had been hoping to put in place the boost in charges this summer, from £2.70 to £2.90 for cars, after a long delay to the original application and a public inquiry in March.
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But the Department for Transport has again refused to give a date for the decision, which could also see the charges on the heaviest lorries increased from £18.30 to £19.90.
Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis will make the decision after reviewing the public inquiry report.
But business leaders have criticised the on-going delays.
Richard Kendall, policy executive at the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "Businesses need to know as soon as possible if and when the tolls will go up so that they can plan for the future.
"Having that certainty one way or another is important so we hope the decision is made soon."
And Coun Neil Poole, North Lincolnshire chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Delaying making the right decision just about sums this Government department up.
"Whilst the Minister dithers, businesses are failing and unemployment is rising."
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
2 Comments
by Disillusioned newcomer, Fantastic North Lincs!?
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 11:17AM
“Scunthorpe has evidently suffered and degenerated from years of bitter political infighting and from the mismanagement and misrepresentation by its outdated, incompetent and arrogant Tories and the devious tactics, hype and spin of Nu Liebour's disciples in the misaligned corridors of Pitwood House.
Given Neil Poole's sense of real democracy and fair play; and his credible and mature performances in representing his ward and challenges within NLC; perhaps even the ST can recognise it is time for a clearout and that Neil Poole may bring some honesty, calibre and integrity to the politics and representation of Scunthorpe.
You have done, and you could continue to do an awful lot worse than the Lib Dems.”
by Claudie, NLincs
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 10:16AM
“I think the Telegraph needs to start recognising Neil Poole's political agenda - he's not acting on behalf of the FSB, he's acting on behalf of the Lib Dems as the candidate for Scunthorpe and every time he gets a chance to have a pop at the government, he does.
Badge him up properly or don't use him - otherwise you stand the risk of being politically biased. (Not for the first time)”