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Humber Bridge
East Yorkshire MAG are opposing the Humber bridge toll.
We started by sending a nice letter that was rejected out of hand by the bridge board. We now intend to send a mass of letters as the next part of our
strategy. You will find attached the next letter we intend on sending, we would appreciate it if you and all your groups members and friends could also send a letter. We think the
best way is to take our letter and change it around a little so it looks personal, but if you don't have time to do that then just copy and send it as it is.
We expect
to get a standard rejection letter back, then we will be moving up a gear or two for the summer, but we have to give them a chance first.
All the best and thanks for your help.
Pete Walker
Example letter to the Humber Bridge Board:
Humber Bridge Board
Ferriby Road
Hessle
East Yorkshire
EnglandHU13 OJG
Date
Dear Mr Evans
As you are aware motorcyclists under the guidance of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) previously wrote to yourself regarding the abolishment of
the exorbitant toll charges for motorcyclists on the Humber Bridge.
MAG has coordinated your replies and I am gravely disappointed that the ethos of your reply puts
entitlement to recoup the cost from all users above a mode of transport, which limits environmental impact on road surfaces and air quality and runs against the government’s
often stated view that motorcycles are a key part of its transport strategy.
I believe that toll charging is detrimental to the economy in that it distorts well established
work patterns in key sectors of the economy and victimises those people whose work involves them in an above average amount of road travel, such as couriers and sales
representatives, and commuters who are effectively forced to use tolled roadways because the alternative is not viable.
While motorcycles reduce congestion in normal
traffic situations, they can cause congestion at toll plazas. This is because a motorcyclist, in negotiating the toll booth, must stop, engage neutral, put foot down, take off
gloves, find money, pay, get change, put change in pocket, put gloves back on, engage gear, move off.
One of the complaints directed to motorcyclists by car drivers is this
length of time it takes to pay the toll charge. Subsequently I feel that currently, as a motorcyclist I am treated with disdain, with a negative effect upon my safety as a road
user.
Although the government at present seems to have no plans in making a “political” decision to exempt motorcycles from tolls, I feel that the Humber Bridge
and its board have a responsibility to abolish its toll charging for motorcycles.
As previously mentioned this would be in line with the endorsement of motorcycle use by
the European Parliament's RETT (Transport Committee) through institutional investment, subsidies and legislation as part of the solution to many traffic problems that exist
throughout Europe.
I would take this opportunity to emphasis my definition of the Humber Bridge as a highway being "a route which all persons, rich or poor, can use to
pass and re-pass as often and wherever they wish without let, hindrance or charge".
I would ask that you forward a copy of this letter to the Chairman of the Humber
Bridge Board and would welcome a reply from the members of the board.
Yours sincerely
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