SHONA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT SHE is delighted with Sadiq Khan's announcements made on Monday 23 March that proposals to reduce or remove Humber Bridge tolls have been moved to the next stage.

Sadiq announced that the evidence needed for the Government to make a decision on the Humber Bridge tolls will be completed within six months. This final stage of the work to assess the transport, economic and financial impact of the tolls has now gotten underway.

The Minister said:

"The Government is doing everything it can to protect communities and businesses from the economic downturn, and to help the country recover. That is why I am seriously considering proposals to scrap or reduce the tolls."

Shona has been a constant campaigner for the abolishment of Humber Bridge Tolls so the news that they could be lowered or removed altogether in the next six months was very welcome news.

Shona stated:

"This has been a long fight for people south of the Humber but our arguments have been listened to and it seems like we are finally going to get results. I still see the removal of tolls as an important factor in the economic growth of the area so I was thrilled by Sadiq's news."

This announcement follows on from last November when Sadiq rejected toll increase proposals from the Humber Bridge Board and awarded £6 million from the Government for essential maintenance work on the bridge.

24 March 2010