Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has called on the Humber Bridge Board to hold off any increase in tolls until the Government’s Humber Bridge Review is completed in the autumn. He welcomed today’s news that Transport Minister Norman Baker and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Justine Greening have launched the second phase of the review.
Graham, who is working closely with colleagues from all parties and both sides of the Humber, said: “We’ve successfully stopped toll rises for the last five years and now is not the time to have them hiked. I’m calling for the Bridge Board to delay any increase until after the review is complete and there is a chance to find a long term solution.”
He added: “I am delighted we have persuaded the government to forego £48 million of interest over the next few years but we need to go further and settle this for the good of the area and the country.
The Treasury-led review will explore options for reform and consider the views of local residents and business, local authorities, MPs and the Humber Bridge Board.
Meanwhile the Government has agreed to continue to offer a reduced interest rate on the Humber Bridge Board’s debt which will save the board £48m over the next five years.
The Department for Transport has also agreed the Public Inquiry Inspector’s recommendation to approve the Humber Bridge Board’s application to increase the Bridge tolls.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Justine Greening, said: “I welcome the beginning of the next phase of the Humber Bridge Review. When I visited the Humber Bridge in January I saw first-hand just how essential this bridge is for the local community and businesses.
“But a long-term sustainable solution is needed and this is why the Chancellor and I are working alongside the Department for Transport to look at options to deliver this essential reform.”
Today sees the publication of the Terms of Reference of the second phase of the review. The first phase of the review involved an independent economic appraisal of the impact of the toll level on the bridge. The Government will consider the economic assessment, the results of the second phase of the review and the current financial situation before making an announcement in November 2011.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “The Government fully recognises the importance of the Humber Bridge to the economy and communities of the Humber area. That is why we are today starting the second phase of the Government’s review and have also announced a new interest rate offer which will save the Bridge Board around £48m.
“The Humber Bridge Board applied to increase the tolls and it was the Department’s duty to consider that proposal. The independent inspector came down firmly in favour of the board’s proposals and we did not feel it would be right to overrule that advice. However, by pushing ahead with the Government’s review I hope we will be able to help the region and bridge owners find a long term sustainable way forward for this important transport link.”
