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.

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.