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FIG VS USING THE Humber Bridge now face an increased
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toll of nearly £40 for a round trip, which has been slammed by a Hull haulier and the local council.
Andrew Tucker, director of AS Haulage (Hull). says the bridge toll rises are "an outrage", claiming they're detrimental to local businesses and harmful to the environment because hauliers will burn more diesel on toll-free routes.
The Humber Unitary Leaders Group, which represents Hull City Council, East Riding Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council are also opposing the increases.
The group is calling on transport secretary Ruth Kelly to hold a public inquiry, even though the Humber Bridge Board has begun a consultation process, which allows objections to be registered by October 6.
One-way charges for a truck of more than 7.5 tonnes and four or more axles would increase from £18.30 to £19.90. Goods vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes would have to pay £5.30, up from £4.90 now.
By comparison, the Severn Bridge charges HGVs £15.90 for a crossing, while the Dartford bridge toll costs just £2.90.
The Humber Bridge opened in 1981 with debts of £151m, which rocketed because the tolls didn't cover the interest on the loans. After a refinancing deal with the Government in 1998, the bridge board plans to pay off the debt by 2032 but needs to increase tolls regularly to do so.