Government attacked for lack of cohesive bridge toll policy
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CM COVER STORY
By Roger Brown HAULIERS HAVE slammed the government for not having a cohesive bridge toll policy, after the Humber crossing received a maintenance grant that will allow it to freeze prices into 2011.
Last week, the Department for Transport (DfT) awarded the Humber Bridge Board Thin to help prevent corrosion on the bridge's suspension cables. The funding will see tolls kept at the same level for at least 18 months.
„ This has angered hauliers in .s South Wales, who last year saw inflation-busting toll increases that failed to take into account the I subsequent reduction in VAT. After pressure from CM, a rate of £16.30 was agreed for all HCiVs ('Severn Bridge truck toll increase is slashed', CM 8 January), Humber Bridge tolls have been frozen for the past three years, with two-, three-, and four-axle HGVs paying£10.90, 14.60 and £18.30. Transport minister Sadiq Khan says the government invested the money because it is "committed to doing everything it can to protect communities and businesses from the economic downturn'.'
But Ian Jarman, environmental and legislation manager at Owens Road Services, based in Llanelli. says there is no cohesion in government policy with regards to regional stimulus.
Robert Wilcox, managing director at Massey Wilcox Transport, near Bristol, adds: -It would be a big help for us if the Severn Bridge was getting similar help."
Ian Gallagher, Freight Transport Association (FTA) policy manager for Wales, says the recession is not discriminating by region, and neither should the government.