Humber Bridge toll 'to be halved'

Image caption, The Humber Bridge cost 拢150m to build and was opened in 1981

The debt held by the Humber Bridge could be cut by the government, meaning tolls could be cut in half.

The 大象传媒 understands the decision will be unveiled on Tuesday as part of the National Infrastructure Plan.

Following meetings between MPs and ministers, the government is thought to have decided to cut some of the bridge board's 拢330m debt.

It is thought the move will mean a single crossing for a car will go down to 拢1.50 from 拢3.

The bridge opened in 1981 and has an outstanding debt of 拢330m after it was financed with a 拢150m government loan, which rose due to interest.

The toll was raised from 拢2.70 to 拢3 in October, making it the most expensive crossing fee for a return journey in the UK.

When the rise in tolls was announced in September many motorists rushed to stock up on books of bridge tickets to beat the cost increase.

One commuter bought 拢500 worth of tickets.

Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive of the Hull and Humber chamber of commerce, said his organisation had commissioned research that showed that a reduction of the toll to 拢1 would benefit the local economy by 拢500m over the next 25 years.

Dr Kelly said: "It will be significant. It will add to the renewables revolution in terms of allowing people to move both banks of the river for jobs as they emerge."