Removal of tolls worth £1bn
Independent research published on Tuesday has estimated the Humber economy would be given a massive £1.1 billion boost over the next 23 years if the Humber Bridge tolls were abolished. And if the tolls stayed in place, but were reduced to £1 for a car (compared with £2.70) and a similar reduction for all other classes, the economy would still get a £580-million boost over the same period. The period up to 2032 has been used for the calculations, as this is the time period for the repayment of the existing loans on the Humber Bridge. The remaining debt on the bridge currently stands at approximately £330 million.
The £1.1-billion injection into the Humber economy is the main finding from the research, carried out Colin Buchanan and Partners. The research makes the point that, of all the policy measures available to remove barriers to the economic development and prosperity of the Humber economy, Government action on Humber Bridge is likely to be the simplest and most successful. The consultants have used the Department for Transport's economic model and guidance to evaluate the financial benefits for the Hull and Humber Ports City region (comprising Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire). Using the economic model, it is possible to estimate the improvement in the city region's productivity and output if the tolls were either abolished or reduced substantially.
These findings give the campaign to see decisive action on the tolls - the highest in the UK- a major boost. And with the level of political and business support behind the campaign, we must ensure we press ahead without delay. The four Humber councils will work closely with all concerned to arrange a meeting with ministers to see how we can now move ahead on the tolls. But as Ian Cawsey, MP for Brigg and Goole, made clear yesterday, we first need to study the research and agree how to present our case to Government as persuasively as possible. Ian is doing a first rate job in pulling together all interests and I thank him for the work he is doing.
We now have to evidence to prove conclusively that the very high tolls are holding back the City Region's economic performance, affecting jobs and the life prospects of nearly 900,000 people. If that doesn't demand action at the highest levels of Government, then I don't know what does. It is vital now we have the research findings the momentum that is building up is not lost. The case for action now looks unanswerable. The nature of the debate has now changed. It is now clear the issue is not going to go away until decisive action results. That was clear from all those in attendance at the launch of the findings this week.
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