Tolls would rise by 20p each way to £2.90 for car drivers

A public inquiry into plans to increase charges on the Humber Bridge has cost almost £50,000 which will have to be met from toll income, it has emerged.

The inquiry was called because of the large number of objections to the increase, which means car drivers would pay £2.90 each way, an increase of 20p.

The Humber Bridge Board said the cost of holding the inquiry was £49,557.

Its findings are set to be delayed by ministerial changes at the Department for Transport in Friday's reshuffle.

The Humber Bridge Board said in a statement: "Unavoidably, the inquiry created extra costs of almost £50,000 for the board, which must be met from current toll fees."

It said the transport minister's decision was unlikely to be announced before the end of June.

Humber Bridge Board chairman David Gemmell said:"The delay is a concern for the bridge board and, no doubt, also for the objectors.

"Nonetheless, the inquiry, and its costs, is an acceptable price to pay to ensure that local people and businesses have their voices heard over such an important matter."