The Yorkshire and Humber economy is expected to receive a £250 million boost from an increased number of motorists using the Humber Bridge, reveals the BBC

The lower tolls come as a result of the Government scrapping almost half the £330 million debt still outstanding on the Humber Bridge. As a result toll charges have been reduced from £3 to £1.50 each way for cars, with Motorcycle tolls removed altogether.

George Osborne said "The evidence we have is that the cut in the tolls will boost the local economy by £250 million over the next generation…It is really good for jobs, people will be able to find work on the other side of the estuary if they haven't got it now."

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When bridge tolls in Scotland were abolished four years ago Humber Bridge users watched with envy, however, opinion is divided over the economic benefits of lower tolls.

Professor Tom Rye from the Transport Research Institute at Edinburgh Napier University said: "I think the tolls will have a marginal impact...If you want to improve the economy of the area you have to look at the things that are the real constraints on the economy of that area, and they are unlikely to be bridge tolls."

Despite this, it seems that most drivers welcome a cut in tolls after three decades of paying a high price for crossing the Humber.

(HMc)