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Search forBridge toll has businesses at breaking point
Monday, October 06, 2008, 09:00
A survey of 200 companies found that some businesses were beginning to sink under the cost, with some firms having to pay out £15,000 per month for tolls.
The survey, carried out by the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, was conducted to help inform the research into the impact of the tolls being carried out by consultants, funded by the four local authorities.
The findings from the Chamber’s survey were released today, ahead of the launch of the research in the House of Commons tomorrow.
The debate was forced after the four unitary authorities bordering the bridge united in opposition to the planned 20p increase in tolls to £2.90 for cars.
The Grimsby Telegraph, along with its sister papers in Hull and Scunthorpe, launched its A Toll Too Far campaign, encouraging as many people as possible to write objection letters to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon.
Carol Thomsett, president of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Humber Bridge has failed in its original purpose of uniting the two banks of the river, because of the high tolls.
“Directly or indirectly, they affect most businesses in the region by increasing their costs, making it harder for them to compete for business and making it more difficult for them to recruit staff.”
She added: “The tolls are a brake on the success of our local economy. The case for them to be reviewed is strong and we are looking forward to making that case to Government.”
The survey found that:
On average, businesses lose 110 man-hours and travel an extra 4,771 miles per year to avoid the tolls.
Businesses spend an average of £517 per month on the tolls. Some spend over £15,000.
Nearly 90 per cent of the firms surveyed said the tolls have an impact on their business. One in five said it was a big impact.
Transport and distribution firms shoulder the biggest brunt, as the one way toll for the biggest lorries is currently £18.30. The proposal is to increase that to £19.90.
Nearly half of the firms who responded to the survey said the tolls have an impact on their ability to attract new business.
About half of those polled said the tolls made it harder to recruit staff.
Most firms wanted the tolls abolished and more than 80 per cent said they would use the bridge more if there were no tolls.
More than three-quarters of firms said they would be able to attract more customers if tolls were abolished.
Our reporters and photographers will be at the launch of the research tomorrow at the House of Commons. See Wednesday’s Grimsby Telegraph for coverage.
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