National Alliance Against Tolls - Reaction to Forth Bridge Toll Increase 2005

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PRESS RELEASE 21 April 2005 - REACTION TO FORTH BRIDGE TOLL INCREASE

DRIVERS have reacted angrily to news, leaked on Wednesday, that the Scottish Executive have authorised an increase in the tolls on the Forth bridge. The toll will increase from 80 pence to Ł1.

The authority that runs the bridge originally wanted the toll increase to take effect last October. But there had to be an Inquiry because of a formal objection by George Campbell, "The Lone Protestor".
The Inquiry took place in December, with Fifers Against Toll Increases and the National Alliance Against Tolls speaking in support of Mr Campbell.

It was revealed at the Inquiry that the bridge had large financial reserves and no debts. The authority said that they wanted a toll increase to pay for a massive programme of works, including Ł65 million for painting the bridge.

Those against the toll increase pointed out that the programme of works was just guesstimates, and that the tolls were currently due to end by 2006, whereas almost all of the programme of works was past that date.

Following the announcement of the Inquiry decision, a spokesperson for those objecting to the toll increase said:- "The authority failed to make a case for a toll increase, and we are amazed at the decision of the Scottish Executive. It is an insult to those people who use the bridge."

"The Scottish Executive are supposed to be in the middle of a review of Scotland's 3 remaining tolls (Forth Road bridge, Tay Road bridge, and Erskine Bridge over the Clyde). Granting this unnecessary increase, seems to be a good indication, that the Scottish Executive intend to keep the tolls."

"The cost of constructing the bridges was recouped some years ago. Maintaining the tolls is just a tax on those who have to use the bridges and a blight on the economy in the area of the bridges."

"At the inquiry we quoted Adam Smith (author of "The Wealth of Nations" and born at Kirkcaldy, 12 miles from the bridge). He said "(tolls are) at the expense of the poor, not the rich; at the expense of those who are least able .., not of those who are most able." Adam Smith had also predicted that once governments got their hand on tolls, it would be difficult to make them let go."

"The people of Edinburgh in February voted against tolls by a three to one majority. There will be no vote on the three existing tolls, but we call on all those intending to vote on the 5th May, not to vote for any candidates who support these despised tolls." Notes.
1. The bridge across the Firth of Forth linking Fife to Lothian opened on 4th September 1964. Tolls originally had to stop by May 1995, but have been extended by a series of Orders and Acts.

2. The Forth road bridge carries nearly 25 million vehicles a year.

3. At 31 March 2004, the bridge had no debts and reserves of nearly Ł18 million.