FPB rejects fixed toll on Runcorn-Widnes Bridges

2 December 2004

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The FPB says the proposed new Runcorn-Widnes Bridge must not follow the lead of the Mersey tunnels by imposing a fixed 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week toll.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is reacting to Halton Council's submissions to the Government as part of a study on the impact of the new bridge. Council officials have said that the only way of making a second river crossing viable is for tolls to be placed on both the old and new bridges.

But the FPB's National Chairman Len Collinson said imposing a fixed rate toll on motorists travelling both ways would be a grave mistake.

"Merseytravel angered our members when its chairman Mark Dowd claimed the Mersey tunnel tolls had no negative impact on the region's economy,' he said. "For many small businesses, the tunnel tolls take a significant chunk of cash straight off tight profit margins. They are no more than another unwanted stealth tax. We do not want the same problem with one of the few other gateways to the Merseyside region. If there is no option but to toll the bridges, to fund the cost of the new crossing, then we need to examine concessions and peak and off-peak rates. It should not be forgotten, for example, that the Forth Road bridge linking Fife and Edinburgh only charges motorists leaving Edinburgh.

"But the bottom line remains having a fixed toll on both bridges would have an appalling impact on local firms."

Please find comments from FPB members on the Runcorn-Widnes Bridge:
Grenville Jefferies of HE Rowlands and Co, a haulage firm in Garston, said: "At present with the tunnel tolls, and the congestion on the Runcorn-Widnes bridge, there is just obstacle upon obstacle in front of the motorist. Something needs to be done to improve road access to Liverpool. "
Eddie Copeland of Millbank Holdings, a recruitment firm in Runcorn, said: "We want less talk and more action. I have a constant problem with staff arriving late and rush hour is just horrendous. With more housing being built in the area this problem is going to get worse not better. We must have a second bridge."
Bruce Colenso, of Colenso Screen Services in Runcorn said: "There is a desperate need for a second bridge. This situation is getting worse and worse. We have a driver who wastes an hour a day in traffic jams because of congestion on the bridge."
Ian Reid, of I and J Transport Services in Runcorn, said: "Unless there is a second bridge this area will become as congested as the M6 around Birmingham before its toll motorway. We need similar investment in the North West's roads."

For further information on this press release contact
Kieron Hayes on 01565 634709 or email kieron.hayes@fpb.org

or Ben Pinnington on 07887 562900 or email
ben.pinnington@fpb.org

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FPB rejects fixed toll on Runcorn-Widnes Bridges

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