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Suspension Bridge toll could rise for first time since 2014
It currently costs £1 for cars to cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge but that could soon increase to £1.50 in the first change in the price of the toll for more than a decade.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has started a consultation into the proposed rise, which they say needs to happen in order to continue to maintain and protect the bridge for future generations.
As part of the the proposals, smaller annual increase in the toll linked to inflation will take place in subsequent years rather than a larger increase less frequently.
is needed now More than ever
Bridgemaster Trish Johnson said: “We believe that the toll needs to be increased to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the bridge but we want to hear what our community thinks – those who regularly use the bridge as well as those who just use it occasionally – and also what our other stakeholders think, before we submit our application to the Department for Transport.”
The proposed increase in the toll from £1 to £1.50 would take account of inflation since the toll last changed in 2014 and
cover routine day-to-day running and maintenance costs – photo: Martin Booth
Suspension Bridge Trust chair of trustees, Chris Booy, added: “We need to increase the toll and put plans in place to ensure that we have sufficient funds to secure the future of the bridge.
“Regularly reapplying to the Department for Transport for changes to the toll is expensive in terms of costs and time.
“We know this money would be better spent on our core operations.
“Putting in place the ability to increase the toll annually, in line with inflation, will mean that costs and revenues will remain broadly in line with each other by linking future toll increases to increases in construction costs.”
The consultation runs from Thursday until November 7. For more information and to take part, visit cliftonbridge.org.uk/toll-consultation
Main photo: Martin Booth
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