Support builds for bridge tolls campaign
SUPPORT for the Grimsby Telegraph’s campaign to cut the tolls on the Humber Bridge has come from Coun Martin Vickers.
As reported, the Humber Bridge Toll Study was launched at the House Of Commons and coincided with our A Toll Too Far campaign.
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We asked you to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to force a public inquiry into the tolls.
Now, in light of the findings of the report – which stated that scrapping the tolls would net £1-billion for the local economy – we want you to fill in the coupon printed here or sign an online petition calling for the tolls to be scrapped, or at least reduced to £1 for cars.
Coun Vickers, North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and transport, also chairs The Hull and Humber Ports City Region Transport Board and was at the Commons when the report was released.
He said: “A £1 charge is the more likely to be achieved than abolition – it would pay for the servicing and maintenance costs, so that is justifiable.
“The report makes a powerful case for reducing or abolishing the tolls to aid the economy.
“The report is extremely useful and high on the political agenda. We hope the Government will give us a more helpful response than has been the case to date.”
Get involved – fill out the coupon printed here to call for the abolition of the bridge tolls, or a reduction to £1 a car. Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/bridgetolls to sign the petition.
3 Comments
by Roy Harrison, Immingham
Thursday, October 09 2008, 1:26PM
“The bridge debt is only a figure on a piece of paper, just that it will NEVER be cleared,so why not scrap it altogether. As for maintenance, the amount of tax we pay through our vehicles should (for any competent government) be enough to pay for the servicing. The motorist is the most heavily taxed person in the country, with the lowest return on his expenditure. Any politician that will actively work on righting this wrong will get my vote, whatever his/her party. Do we all have to move to Scotland to get a fair deal?”
by Pensioner, Immingham
Thursday, October 09 2008, 11:42AM
“Get real Mr Vickers and listen to your future voters before you lose them. Scotland's bridge tolls were abolished.....why should our unelected Scottish prime minister and our Scottish chancellor impose bridge toll on the English. Every vehicle that crossed the bridge pays road tax and fuel duty.........that should pay for the bridge. As for maintenance costs, I would suggest asking the Scottish people how it is done. As a British taxpayer I contribute to Scottish affairs and also pay road tax and fuel duty. When I use the Scottish bridges they are free. Mr Vickers rescind you comments and replace them with an understanding of your future local voters.”
by Pensioner, Immingham
Thursday, October 09 2008, 11:33AM
“A reduced toll is a future increased toll. A free bridge is just that!”