Transport Minister visit to give bridge toll update
TRANSPORT minister Sadiq Khan will visit the Humber Bridge on Monday, where he is expected to give an update on his department's review of bridge tolls.
The Scunthorpe Telegraph understands there will be no announcement to scrap or reduce the Humber Bridge tolls.
Mr Khan began reviewing the tolls in October last year after declaring the Humber Bridge a "special case" and receiving the Scunthorpe Telegraph's A Toll Too Far petition, signed by 10,000 people.
Campaigners said they were delighted with news of the visit, despite comments by Transport Secretary Lord Andrew Adonis last month that appeared to rule out movement on the controversial charges before the election.
Long-time campaigner Jenny Walton said: "If he comes to have a look and he has to pay to go across, that can only be a good thing.
"People going back and forth across the bridge are the one's complaining. It affects everybody, from Mr and Mrs Bloggs to businesses and hospital patients.
"I don't think anything is going to happen before the General Election.
"Whoever wins is going to come in and quietly pick up the reins and look at us when they feel like it. It will be up to us to raise it quickly after the election."
North Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Mark Kirk said: "I'm delighted to hear Sadiq Khan MP is to visit. It's been a long haul and this shows that it's not over yet.
"He has already shown great vision in going against the independent inspector's recommendation in rejecting last year's proposed increase.
"That was a historic decision that kept more than £2-million in the local economy. We have the evidence to prove dealing with the toll has a direct financial benefit – locally, regionally and nationally."
"I am, as ever, hopeful of a quick announcement."
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6 Comments
by Keith Peat, Sutton on Sea
Monday, March 22 2010, 10:02AM
“Good luck Jenny from all the ABD
we are still with you.”
by ad, n lincs
Sunday, March 21 2010, 4:56PM
“so this bloke is coming up here,going to claim all the expenses for doing so to tell us a decision will be made after the election,which we already know?”
by anth, Scunthorpe
Sunday, March 21 2010, 2:26PM
“Perhaps the transport minister would like to visit Scunthorpe town center and see how NLC have practically destroyed it.He might also be very interested in the farm track (aka Wells St) leading to the center as an example of many other roads in NLC terretory.He might then see what local residents have to put up with.”
by kno it all, barton
Sunday, March 21 2010, 1:23PM
“Everything that the labour government and local authority is doing at the moment is designed to con voters into believing that we will get everything promised after voting them back into power.! Locally Kirks spending commitments costing more than £45 million and then £18000 spent on Brit corner to protect the drunks,when our roads are disgraceful due to long term neglect DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by Shylock, Brigg & Wolds
Sunday, March 21 2010, 9:19AM
“From experience, surely there can be no more a futile battle than to try and take on any politician, ably aided and abetted by their own lawyers!?
I believe that their system will ensure that the inept, arrogant and devious councillors and council officers in this world (especially the lying, cheating and foul mouthed shabby little has beens amongst them) have to be and will always be protected from public challenge and scrutiny by an astute, devious and deceitful political, legal and democratic system.
You only have to check out the archive and figures of complaints to the Standards Board for England for confirmation.
But gratifying to see that there are other principled and honourable souls that will not back down to the dubious antics, tactics and threats from the poor calibre amateurs posing as public officials and community leaders here in North Lincs.”
by Jon, crowle
Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:32AM
“the cabinet memeber and service director for highways should give Mr Khan a guided tour round the pot holes in north lincolnshire- and show him the state they have allowed the roads to get into Thy need to explain to the Minister of Transport why they have taken £2.1 out of the highway budget for Scunthorpe Ridgeway a none statutory duty resulting in increased rates by £500,000 to fill the pothole and repair the roads . The should also as the Minister about resolving the fact that for the last 14 years NLC has ignored its statutory duty (section 130 HA 1980) to protect the public use and enjoyment of the full width of highways , and protected indivual land owners who have encroached the highway.
the Chief executive Simon driver has refused to enforce the stsutory width of Marsh road Crowle since 2003 suportting his officers refusal to do the job rhey recieve their pay cheques each month fore.
His claim that he is prioritising work is untrue and a lie, they have taken more £2,1 for none stutory purposes
get on with your threats;
Yes you can ban me from Pittwood mr driver - tell me you will take out injuntions mr wood - threaten to sue me for slander- mr allen- threaten me with an asbo- mr ragan
put thanks to the telegraph i can now tell the truth about these people”