Bridge losses to be discussed

THE Humber Bridge Board is set to discuss on-going losses due to delays in its toll increase application tomorrow.

It has already lost about £1-million by not increasing the tolls as planned 15 months ago and continued delays eat further into board reserves.

A three-day public inquiry in March was held to consider the application, which must be approved by the Secretary of State.

But with new changes to the ministerial team at Westminster this looks unlikely to happen quickly.

In a report to the board, clerk Kim Ryley said: "The Bridge Board did make it clear, at that inquiry, that these increases were needed to enable to it to repay the debt incurred in funding the cost of the construction of the bridge.

"Only the Government can decide whether to amend or write off current debt agreement, with which the Bridge Board must comply.

"The Bridge Board had hoped to receive clear information about the outcome of the inquiry before tomorrow's meeting.

"If the toll increase is approved, it can be implemented quickly. The financial effects of unavoidable delay in doing so have been taken into account in the Board's current budget."

Resident's across Scunthorpe, including Brigg, Barton and the Isle has signed the Telegraph's 'A Toll Too Far' petition.

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