Rallying call for bridge toll inquiry

CAMPAIGNERS have urged people to turn out in force to a public inquiry on the Humber Bridge tolls.

Humber Action Against Tolls has called for as many as possible to turn up to Willerby Manor, Willerby, on Tuesday to make their views clear to the planning inspector.

The independent inspector will preside over the inquiry into proposals by the Humber Bridge Board to increase the toll by 20p to £2.90 for a single car crossing.

The inquiry, which starts at 10am, is expected to last several days.

Jenny Walton, chairwoman of the action group, said: "I would love to see a real presence of peaceful objectors, which will be an impressive sight to the inspector."

The inquiry follows the launch of the Mail's A Toll Too Far campaign to abolish the tolls or reduce them to £1.

This can only be achieved if the Government drops the £350m debt owed on the bridge by the Humber Bridge Board.

More than 10,000 readers have signed the campaign's petition, launched in conjunction with our sister papers the Grimsby Telegraph and the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

Several organisations will give evidence at the inquiry, including the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Hull and Humber Ports, the National Alliance Against Tolls and the Scunthorpe Telegraph, which will speak on behalf of the Mail and the Grimsby Telegraph.

While only a limited number of the objectors can give evidence at the inquiry, campaigners said it was essential people made their views clear by attending nevertheless.

Mrs Walton said: "We want to send the message that it is not just 10,000 signatures on the Mail's petition, or the voice of the MPs, but individuals saying, 'Here we are, listen to us'.

"We want the inspector to know that we are not just opposing the toll rise, but the toll altogether.

"Our ultimate aim is for the bridge to be part of the highways system run by the Government, and it to pay for the maintenance like it would any other road."