Tolls knock Humber traffic
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• by Guy Sheppard
Freight traffic across the Humber Bridge has decreased for the first time in its history, confirming fears that a sharp increase in tolls is forcing hauliers to use other routes.
Tolls rose by 41% between September 1997 and October 1998 and now stand at between £9.20 and £15.40 for trucks according to weight and size.
The Humber Bridge Board has agreed to a further increase next year of more than 4% although it acknowledges traffic is starting to decline because of the rises. From next April, the maximum toll will be £16.10.
Geoff Fordon, managing director of Trans-European Port Services in Hull, estimates that crossings by his 22-vehicle fleet have dropped by 20% over the past year. "If you have a driver starting at eight in the morning in Hull and his load is not due in at Immingham until 11, he might as well go round, Even if it does cost us more, we try riot to use it—as a protest."
Margaret Edmunds, Yorkshire area manager of the Road Haulage Association, says the toll rise took no account of commercial activities in the area. They are going to price themselves out of the market. Feelings are running very high."
In 1998-99, HIGV traffic fell by 5.9% and traffic generally by 3.9%. The annual review to the bridge board said the 41% toll increases formed part of an agreement with the Government to restructure the board's finances. This large toll increase is almost certainly responsible in part for the fall-off in traffic. Some traffic loss had been expected, and was allowed for when estimates were prepared,' says Edmunds.
• Hauliers wishing to become involved
with trials for road tolls can expect to be part of free year-long experiments in Leeds and Edinburgh, the government confirmed this week. The trials will determine whether existing technology can deal with UK weather; vehicle speeds and road conditions. The go-ahead for the tolling experiment has drawn condemnation from opposition political parties. The Freight Transport Association says it is not opposed if toll revenues are ring-fenced for transport projects. Transport minister Helen Liddell, who was expected to launch the pilot, failed to turn up.