Ministers consider Humber Bridge 'sell-off'
Ministers are being asked to consider a radical proposal to sell-off the Humber Bridge, with a long term aim of reducing tolls and boosting the regional economy.
It's a scenario that would have once seemed unthinkable, but Hull-based property boss Malcolm Scott believes the Government should pay serious attention to his proposal, which would pay off a big chunk of the outstanding debt on the 30 year old structure.
Malcolm Scott is offering to buy the Humber Bridge debt for £100m. That's less than a third of the outstanding debt, which now stands at £330m.
The price of the tolls would remain at their current level for eight years and would then be reduced to one pound per crossing. The bridge would be run and maintained by a community interest company.
A number of MPs and council leaders are supporting the Scott proposal. The only concern seems to be the time it would take for the tolls to be reduced from current level of £2.70 each way for cars.
The Labour leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Mark Kirk said he was still hopeful that ministers would look at a look at a financial package to reduce the tolls sooner rather than later.
This is the statement issued by the Transport Minister Norman Baker: "I am fully aware of the region's concern regarding the Humber Bridge tolls and am working closely with Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Justine Greening, to help the region and bridge owners find a long term sustainable way forward for this important transport link.
"The Department for Transport is working closely with the Treasury to consider the level of tolls and the implications for transport and the economy for the Humber region and nationally. The review will take into account any views put to us, including those from business leaders, local councils, the Bridge Board and local MPs.
"We will of course have to look at the information from the review in the round, taking account of the economic assessment as well as the difficult financial challenges we currently face as a country."
Malcolm Scott's proposal could be seen a classic example of Localism and the Big Society in action - a community coming up with its own solution to a problem and not relying on 'big' government.
It could be an offer the Coalition will find hard to resist.
I'm Tim Iredale, the BBC's Political Editor in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and presenter of the regional Politics Show. This is strictly a "no-spin" zone where the political viewpoint is more Humber Bridge than Westminster Bridge. Your comments and observations are more than welcome. 
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