Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has criticised the Government for failing to make a decision about the proposed increase to the Humber Bridge Toll.
The Humber Bridge Board, which oversees the maintenance and management of the Bridge, wants to increase the cost of a single car crossing from £2.70 to £2.90 because of the huge historic debts to the Government which it has to manage.
The plan has been criticised by local MPs, Councillors, businesses and community groups. More than 950 objection letters were received by the Department of Transport in just a few months, a record.
A public inquiry, chaired by planning inspector Neil Taylor, was held into the proposed increase at the beginning of March. He completed his report and sent his recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision, many weeks ago.
Graham believes that a decision should have been made before Parliament went into recess on Tuesday.
He has accused the Secretary of State, Lord Adonis, of wanting to avoid proper parliamentary scrutiny.
He said, “Parliament went into recess on Tuesday and won’t return until October. If the Secretary of State makes his decision during this time MPs won’t have an opportunity to scrutinise it properly.
"How long does it take to make a decision? Geoff Hoon and Lord Adonis have had months in which to think about it. It shows a lack of regard for the thousands of people across the area who rely on the bridge every day and are anxiously waiting to see whether they will be hit with even higher toll charges.”
