The tolls must go
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THE LATEST publication from the Freight Transport Association highlighting the cumulative debts of Britain's toll bridges and tunnels leads us once again to question the need for tolls. It is argued — not by FTA — that the bridges and tunnels have to be manned, serviced and repaired. In addition, the capital cost plus interest has to be written off.
The figures make frightening reading and raise yet another question. What would the Channel tunnel debt be in ten years and what tolls will be imposed? An eminent panel of speakers was unable to answer these questions from members of transport professional bodies at a meeting last week.
What should be done about the tolls? We cannot accept that they must be imposed. Bridges and tunnels are merely an extension of our road network. They do not differ from motorways in this respect and therefore should be financed nationally.
There is a large school of thought that supports the view that the user should pay. Why then should the communities of the Western and Northern Isles help subsidise British Rail? Many have neither used nor seen a train.
The Government should wipe out the bridge and tunnel debt, franchise the supply and recovery services to the private sector and abolish the tolls. There is no logical reason for their continuation when the motorways are toll free.
The FTA's call for abolition of tolls should have the wholehearted support of all sectors of the industry.