Prime Minister: 'We'll consider all aspects of toll debate'
The Prime Minister has assured readers of the Grimsby Telegraph the Government will consider "all aspects" of the case against raising the Humber Bridge toll.
Gordon Brown said last night the new transport secretary would make an announcement "as soon as possible".
There had been fears the decision to raise the cost of a single journey from £2.70 to £2.90 would be rubber- stamped by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis.
But the Prime Minister told the Telegraph: "I think I can assure you the Department for Transport and Andrew Adonis are considering all aspects of the independent inspector's report following the inquiry.
"The decision on the board's application for a toll increase will be made as soon as possible."
Humber Toll Action chairwoman Jenny Walton welcomed the comments.
She said: "If they are going to take into account all aspects, I hope they will take into account what all the witnesses had to say on tolls being abolished and the [bridge's] debt wiped out."
A decision now looks likely before Parliament takes its summer recess on July 21.
If the increase is refused, there are hopes the Government may be open to discussions about reducing or abolishing tolls.
The Telegraph's A Toll Too Far campaign is calling on the Government to scrap the toll or reduce it to £1 for cars.
5 Comments
by paul knox, immingham
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 9:34PM
“i would like to go to beverley races more often,but i am not prepared to pay the rip off prices to cross the bridge.it should be a £1 maximum.”
by Pensioner, Immingham
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 12:00PM
“Consider, look into, have an enquiry, what utter hollow words lacking any hint of action to help our region.
Scrapping the toll is the only way forward....any reduction, freeze or other options leave the toll infrastructure in place awaiting an inevitable future rise. A scrapped toll cannot be altered!”
by delcatto, Grimsby
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 10:32AM
“'We'll consider all aspects...' and raise the costs anyway.”
by Mel, Immingham
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 10:03AM
“Another empty promise from the leader of a morally bankrupt Government.
Their mismanagement of the economy and failure to protect us from an unregulated financial sector has ensured they will be gauging us for every last penny from now until the day we die. Get used to above inflation hikes in taxes because the UK is 'broke'.”
by Guido Fawkes, Grimsby
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 8:43AM
“Why did the GT have to spoil my day with another 'we will keep you wondering promise' from the Liebore party. Please do not forget the referendum promise and I hope you all dont fall for the U-turn on ID cards.”