Troubled water over bridge r'rhe Conservative 1 Government has spent
Page 53
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
a decade preaching free enterprise and competitive spirit:. How does it reconcile this with the restrictive practices granted by the Act of Parliament which allows the Severn River Cnag to impose increased tolls? Not only is the SRC protected by
Parliament, but its promises of consultion before the introduction of the new automatic vehicle identity system were not fulfilled—an example to all of democracy in action.
This industry has been hit on all fronts—hours legislation, fuel duty, revised vehicle testing regs, speed limiters and so on, and now the Welsh lifeline is controlled by a protected body.
Bridge prices have increased 200% in three years. Why? Because of constant failure by successive governments to resolve the problems of poor construction of the first bridge and to clear the debt this created Other government errors are borne by the taxpayer at large— why not this one?
Such a crossing is vital to the development of South and Mid Wales and as such costs should be borne by the entire community, all of whom benefit directly or indirectly
but many of whom do not pay. Much of industry has not paid its share of the toll increases, but we, unlike SRC, do not have statutory powers.
David Foice, general manager of SRC, stated on 6 October "we believe the season ticket will benefit the regular user—we are helping to promote Welsh industry". Yes, but at what cost and to whom?
Follow the example of the Dart Tag and show you want to help, not hinder, the development of Wales. Edward Jenkins, Managing director, Hill's Transport (Garde), South Glamorgan.
Commercial Motor welcomes readers' letters, which can be phoned in on 081-652 3689 (24-hour service) or faxed on 081-652 8969. They may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.