Survey on effect of bridge tolls on firms
Firms across the region are being asked for their views on
how the Humber Bridge tolls affect their trade.
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Humber Bridge toll booths
The appeal is part of a wider study into the impact of the
charges on the region's prosperity, employment and future
growth prospects which got under way earlier this month.
It is being carried out by London-based transport
consultancy Colin Buchanan and Partners in association with
researchers from global financial firm Experian, who will
calculate the effect of the tolls on the local economy.
Researchers at Colin Buchanan are asking Humber companies to
send them their experiences of the charges, such as how they
affect staff recruitment or retention.
The consultancy has launched an e-mail addressed aimed
exclusively at the region's firms to send their stories to.
The address is humberbridge@cbuchanan.co.uk
All responses will be treated as confidential and companies
have until the end of July to share their views.
Individuals are also being encouraged to send in their
experiences of the tolls, such as the extent to which they
affect their decision to use the bridge and whether the charges
have prevented people from taking jobs across the river.
The findings of the study are due to be released in
September this year.
Depending on the outcome, it will be used to lobby the
Government to reduce or write off the bridge's £330m debt.
4 Comments
by Chris, Walkington
Thursday, July 24 2008, 8:45AM
“Phil, East Hull obviously doesn't have to use the bridge every day!!! You try having to spend £1200 extra a year getting to work. I would love to spend the money on a nice new flat screen TV which you'll no doubt have yourself, but us who have to cross the bridge have to pay for that privilege instead.”
by phil, east hull
Wednesday, July 09 2008, 9:00AM
“The reason the bridge is there is to provide transport links to the south, east coast!. The only other way out of hull is the M62 or north towards York on the back roads. Stop moaning and pay the toll! You all want it as an attraction but as with everything it costs money! If you want to cut costs lay some staff off and create automatic barriers. That way you would probably save £60,000 per annum at least. !”
by Peter, Krakatoa, west of Java
Wednesday, July 09 2008, 7:46AM
“I agree. When the Dartford tunnel was built under the Thames the debt was shared by Kent and Essex. But when the M25 was built and the tunnel incorporated into it, the Government took it over centrally, building the QE2 bridge to complement it.”
by Timberline, Hornsea
Wednesday, July 09 2008, 7:27AM
“Why are we still facing tolls on this bridge? It's a part of the national infrastructure so it should be free.
On another point why do we need a London consultancy to do this work? Surely we have 2 excellent Universities in the region that could handle this research.
Another example of Humberside doffing it's cap to the South East.”