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Study seeks to assess Humber toll's impact
Page 13
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III by Chris Tindall
An East Yorkshire company is funding an independent study into the impact of the Humber Bridge toll on local businesses before it considers lobbying for its abolition.
A mounting body of evidence suggests that the tolls on the Bridge, which are the highest on any major river crossing in the UK, are holding back the development of the region's economy. Goods vehicles over 7.5 tomes are charged between £10 and £16.70 for each crossing, depending on the number of axles.
Humber Forum hopes to start looking at its Impact Study's findings and conclusions early next year.
"The tolls are perceived as a barrier," says Humber Forum's chief executive, John Perkins. "Previous studies have focused on toll levels and traffic flows across the Bridge and have not considered the wider impact."
Hull-based Edwards Logistics says it has been forced to turn down business in the past because using the Bridge was uneconomic.
'We can't recruit drivers on the south bank who would have to drive over each day," complains Edwards' general manager John Luty.
'We tend to avoid collection or deliveries on that side as well; no-one wants to pay the haulier the extra cost of the toll."
Geoff Dunning, northern regional director for the Road Haulage Association, describes the sky-high bridge tolls, as a "national disgrace".
He adds: "We will be happy to provide information and local knowledge to the researchers in their effort to assess the extent of the economic impact."