HC Deb 01 March 1978 vol 945 cc226-7W
Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport which organisations have objected to proposals to increase the toll charges at the Severn Bridge and the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel; and how many other objections have been submitted.

Mr. Horam

The information requested is as follows:

Dartford Tunnel

  • Automobile Association
  • Dartford Tunnel Users Association
  • Freight Transport Association (South Eastern Region)
  • Kent Export Association
  • London Borough of Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
  • London Boroughs Chamber of Commerce
  • Road Haulage Association
  • Royal Automobile Club.

In addition, about 65 other objections have been received directly, including four from local authorities, together with about 150 letters of objection addressed to the Dartford Tunnel Users Association and passed on to the Department.

Severn Bridge

  • Association of District Councils (Avon County Branch)
  • Association of South West Motorcyclists
  • Automobile Association
  • Chepstow Chamber of Commerce and Trade
  • Confederation of British Road Passenger Transport
  • Freight Transport Association
  • Gwent District Councils Association
  • National Farmers Union (Gloucester and North Avon County Branch)
  • Plaid Cymru (Newport and Pontypool Constituency Associations)
  • Risca and District Citizens Association
  • Road Haulage Association
  • Royal Automobile Club
  • Standing Conference on Regional Policy in South Wales.

In addition, about 65 other objections have been received, including 14 from local authorities, together with a petition containing about 450 signatures.

Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to initiate public inquiries to consider the objections to the proposed increases of toll charges at the Severn Bridge and the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel.

Mr. William Rodgers

Yes.

Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will consider the need for legislation to permit temporary suspension of toll charges at toll bridges and tunnels when this would be considered desirable to minimise the delays caused by congestion at peak periods.

Mr. Horam

No.