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Commons move for Telegraph's toll bid

The Grimsby Telegraph’s Axe the Toll campaign has gained momentum as Cleethorpes MP Shona McIsaac took it to the House of Commons.

More than 2,000 readers have called for the abolition of tolls for South Bank patients needing treatment in Hull.

She repeated the concerns of the Telegraph and its readers. The MP called on transport ministers to change the debt interest rate – currently fixed at 7.75 per cent – and alter the repayment period to allow bridge bosses to reduce the toll charges.

The Government is currently holding its five-year review with the Humber Bridge Board over the debt repayments, which is due to conclude by the summer.

And in a Bridge Board meeting yesterday there were recommendations to write to the Local Health Authority and other local bodies, with the intention of getting them together to lobby the Government.

At present some disabled patients and people claiming benefits can apply to be exempt from the charges.

At that meeting Shona McIsaac repeated her demand that interest rates should be lowered to free up money for more concession and exemption schemes and said: “The Government holds the key to providing the solution.”

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