§ Mr. Bob Dunnasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he proposes to undertake a review of policy in respect of tolls charged on road tunnels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerThe Government reviewed the general question of tolls and esturial crossings, including tunnels, in May 1979. I stated in July of that year—[Vol. 971, c. 640–41]—that the Government saw no case for departing from the general principle that tolls should be charged on crossings where exceptional benefits are provided to the users and that the revenue from tolls should be sufficient over time to cover the servicing and ultimate repayment of the capital debt as well as the maintenance costs of the crossing. The responsible authorities would be expected to keep their toll charges under regular review and to raise them when necessary. There has been no change in circumstances which would justify a further review.