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Transport Secretary Philip Hammond defends rise in Humber Bridge tolls | Transport Secretary Philip Hammond defends rise in Humber Bridge tolls |
(40 minutes later) | |
Article written by Tim Iredale Political editor, Yorkshire & Lincolnshire | Article written by Tim Iredale Political editor, Yorkshire & Lincolnshire |
The Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has defended a decision to allow an increase in tolls on the Humber Bridge. | The Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has defended a decision to allow an increase in tolls on the Humber Bridge. |
From October 1, a single car crossing will cost £3 each way - a 30p increase on the current charge of £2.70. | From October 1, a single car crossing will cost £3 each way - a 30p increase on the current charge of £2.70. |
The Humber Bridge is marking its href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-14176323" title="BBC News: Humber Bridge marks 30 years since official opening " >30th anniversary. It was officially opened by the Queen on 17 July 1981. | |
From the moment it became operational the bridge was burdened with debt, due to spiralling construction costs in the 1970s. | From the moment it became operational the bridge was burdened with debt, due to spiralling construction costs in the 1970s. |
Highest toll | Highest toll |
The latest toll increase was given the go-ahead following a recent public inquiry. | The latest toll increase was given the go-ahead following a recent public inquiry. |
Car drivers will pay £6 for a return trip - making the Humber Bridge the highest toll crossing in the UK. | Car drivers will pay £6 for a return trip - making the Humber Bridge the highest toll crossing in the UK. |
The Transport Secretary told BBC Look North the priority remains paying down the outstanding debt of £332m. | The Transport Secretary told BBC Look North the priority remains paying down the outstanding debt of £332m. |
Philip Hammond said: "We do recognise the difficulties around the financial structure with this bridge and we will continue to support that with the interest rate subsidy. But motorists also have to make a contribution. | Philip Hammond said: "We do recognise the difficulties around the financial structure with this bridge and we will continue to support that with the interest rate subsidy. But motorists also have to make a contribution. |
"The increase in the tolls has been tested through the proper process with a public inquiry, that we ordered, and the inquiry decision has been that the tolls should be increased to make a contribution, alongside the contribution the department is making to finance the bridge." | "The increase in the tolls has been tested through the proper process with a public inquiry, that we ordered, and the inquiry decision has been that the tolls should be increased to make a contribution, alongside the contribution the department is making to finance the bridge." |
Economic impact | Economic impact |
The Humber Bridge has been used as a political football since 1966, when the Labour Transport Minister Barbara Castle gave the go-ahead for the crossing. | The Humber Bridge has been used as a political football since 1966, when the Labour Transport Minister Barbara Castle gave the go-ahead for the crossing. |
It proved to be the deal breaker that won the Hull North constituency for Labour in a by-election that some have suggested was secured by the "bribe of the bridge". | It proved to be the deal breaker that won the Hull North constituency for Labour in a by-election that some have suggested was secured by the "bribe of the bridge". |
The economic impact of the tolls on the local economy is currently being reviewed by officials at the Treasury. | The economic impact of the tolls on the local economy is currently being reviewed by officials at the Treasury. |
Their findings are due be released in November. | Their findings are due be released in November. |
While the bridge is admired as a magnificent feat of engineering, some motorists would say the cost of using it has led to 30 years of hurt. | While the bridge is admired as a magnificent feat of engineering, some motorists would say the cost of using it has led to 30 years of hurt. |
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