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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