§ Mr. Mark Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what recommendation was made by the inspector who held a public inquiry into proposed tolls increases at the Severn bridge; and when he expects to announce his decision.
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§ Mrs. ChalkerThe proposal before the inspector was that the toll for cars should be increased from 20p to 50p and for lorries and coaches from 40p to £1 but that the present 10p toll for motor cycles should cease. The Inspector recommended that the order necessary to give effect to this proposal be made, subject to a minor modification to clarify the definition of motor cycles. My right hon. Friend has accepted the inspector's recommendation. The Severn Bridge Tolls Order 1985 (SI 1985/726) has been made and is being laid today. The order will come into effect on Sunday 23 June. It should be noted that this is the first toll increase since August 1979. Copies of the inspector's report and the formal decision letter sent today to all objectors have been placed in the Library.