'Assessment on Humber Bridge toll removal moves forward'

Date: 24/3/2010

Work to assess the possibility of removing or reducing the Humber Bridge toll has taken a step forward, the Department for Transport has revealed.

It will now take around six months for the evidence base required for the government to make a decision on the tolls to be completed.

Evidence to be looked at includes the economic and financial impact of the tolls and an assessment of the regional and national transport affected.

The final phase of the work to examine these factors will cost around £150,000.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan expressed his delight that the work to assess the Humber Bridge toll charges has taken a significant step forward.

"The government is doing everything it can to protect communities and businesses from the economic downturn, and to help the country recover.

"That is why I am seriously considering proposals to scrap or reduce the tolls," he added.

Meanwhile, it is likely that motorists will be able to pay the toll at the Severn Bridge crossing using a debit or credit card in the future.