To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to the Department was of the most recent inquiry into the toll levels on the Clifton Suspension Bridge; how many people lodged objections which led to the calling of that inquiry; and if he will make a statement. (85044)

Since the coming into force of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Act 1952, toll charges at the Clifton Suspension Bridge have been revised three times: in 1976, 1982 and most recently 2003. The Department has no record of whether inquiries were held for the 1976 and 1982 toll revisions. The 2003 toll revision application received no objections and was considered and approved without the need for a local inquiry.

The operator of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Trustees of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, applied to the Secretary of State Department in October 2005 for an order to revise the maximum tolls for using the bridge. Five objections have been received to this application. The trust has been advised that if it wishes to continue with its application, there will have to be an inquiry. No date, as yet, has been set for this inquiry.