Bridge toll increase could have 'huge impact'

The bridge's operators are proposing to increase the toll from 40p to £1

Users of a privately-owned toll bridge have argued that increased prices which could see school-run parents pay £80 a month would have "a huge impact".

A public inquiry has begun in North Yorkshire over the owners of Grade II listed Aldwark Bridge's proposal to raise fees from 40p to £1.

The toll has not gone up for 20 years but the company which operates the crossing over the River Ure near Easingwold said it could eventually cost £1.40 to use the bridge.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke, the MP for the area, gave evidence and said on social media the higher toll would hit regular users, but the owners said the revenue was necessary to maintain the structure and "provide certainty" over 10 years.

Aldwark Toll Bridge LLP said the bridge was currently "not commercially viable".

It added: "The bridge carries a public right of way and there is a statutory duty not to obstruct it.

"On the other hand, all company directors have a duty not to let a company become insolvent and pursuant to the legislation are entitled to make a reasonable return."

The last toll increase for the bridge was from 15p to 40p in 2005, the operator said in its submission.

Speaking on social media the Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold Sir Alec Shelbrooke said the toll rise would have a "a huge impact on local family's cost of living especially those who have to use the bridge on a regular basis".

'£80 a month'

The bridge, which spans the river between Youlton and Little Ouseburn, was closed last year for 10 months for a refurbishment costing around £700,000, during which time regular users had to take a 25-mile detour.

North Yorkshire councillor for Huby and Tollerton, Malcolm Taylor, who attended the inquiry on Tuesday, said that while the community "value the bridge very much", the proposed increase was too steep.

He said some constituents used the bridge up to four times a day for school drop-offs and pick-ups.

"That's £80 a month. That's a considerable bill to add to the cost of getting your kids to school," he added.

Aldwark Toll Bridge LLP was contacted for further comment.

Nick Oswald, head of Great Ouseburn Primary School, has previously said he was worried the changes could result in parents pulling their children out of the school because they "can't afford to get them over 200m of bridge".

The inquiry is set to run until Friday.

Aldwark Bridge

• The bridge dates back to the 18th Century but was rebuilt following flood damage in 1880.

• It is the only remaining privately-run toll bridge in Yorkshire.

• The owners had permission to raise the toll refused in 2020 by a government planning inspector.

• In the 1960s it was owned by the Montagu Burton clothing manufacturer in Leeds.

• A tollkeeper still collects fees from a traditional cottage and booth.

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