Published: Thursday, 11th December, 2008 3:45pm

Protesters say bridge toll increase is a hike too far

by Sarah Stead

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PROTESTERS marched across Whitchurch Bridge to Pangbourne today to demonstrate their opposition to controversial plans to double toll fees.

More than 20 campaigners, joined by Reading West MP Martin Salter, met outside the Greyhound pub in Whitchurch to march on the 106-year-old bridge to hand out 600 flyers to early morning commuters calling for a public inquiry into the proposals.

The Whitchurch Bridge Company submitted a toll application to the Secretary of State for Transport, Julian Smith, in October, requesting permission to double the fee from 20p to 40p to help fund a £3 million redevelopment of the bridge planned for 2013.

Protest organiser Phil Lewis said: "It was extremelly successful. Martin Salter came along to show his support and we had ITV news cameras here, which is fantastic as we need as much exposure as we can to force a public enquiry.

"We handed out around 600 leaflets to passing motorists and at least 50 people stopped to say that they had already written to the Secretary of State to object, while others said they would back the campaign."

Mr Salter said: "I will be working closely with Henley MP John Howell, whose constituents are just as inconvenienced as mine in Pangbourne by the unjustified toll hike.

"On face value an extra 20p doesn't sound like a lot of money, but if workers and parents have to cross the bridge twice a day or more, than all of a sudden 40p turns into £5 to £10 a week, which is unacceptable."

A decision on the proposed toll increase is expected in the new year and Whitchurch Bridge Company secretary, Geoff Weir, remains confident the proposals will go through despite the protest.

He said: "We don't have a problem with the protest, we completely understand their concerns and at the end of the day we all have to live together in the village.

"Our proposals are completely transparent and clear and I would urge any residents concerned with our plans to have a look on our website and read them for themselves.

"I completely refute any claims that our shareholders are paid excessive amounts and if you look at the facts, the dividend payout is the same 2.3% as it was two years ago.

"We are confident the toll increase will go through and await the decision of the Department of Transport."