§ Lord Evans of Claughtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what basis it is decided that some estuarial river crossings should be tolled while others and all inland crossings are toll free; and whether they are giving consideration to this anomaly with a view to abolishing all such tolls.
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthSuccessive Governments have followed the principle that tolls should be charged on estuarial crossings which are exceptionally expensive to construct, and which offer exceptional advantages to their users, as compared with alternative routes. In every case the specific approval of Parliament is required, as it was for the older toll bridges which are still in existence throughout the country. Tolls are limited by statute to levels which will cover the full costs of the structure, including operating costs and interest charges, over a specified period. The arrangement enables substantial additions to be made to the transport infrastructure, and paid for by those who use them. The Government are not considering the abolition of tolls.