Two newspapers are redoubling their efforts in a campaign to get a “tax on ill health” abolished.

Nine months on from the launch of the Axe the Toll on Health campaign, the Scunthorpe Telegraph and the Grimsby Telegraph are calling for tolls on patients crossing the Humber Bridge for treatment to be cut.

Some people who live on the south bank of the river have to have their treatment on the north side – and have no choice but to pay the tolls if they want treatment.

The issue was made worse by the fact that people visiting prisoners across the river can claim their toll money back.

North Lincolnshire Council has supported the papers’ campaign and thousands of readers have also given their backing.

Scunthorpe Telegraph editor Jon Grubb said: “North Lincolnshire council has taken it further, recommending tolls be scrapped completely.

“But we still have no ruling from the Government. Dr Liam Fox, co-chairman of the Tory Party, has pledged his support.

“In response the leader of the local Labour Party says the issue may only be addressed if a regional assembly is approved at a referendum next year. He says nationally the Humber Bridge is low priority.

“Not so low that the Government is prepared to scrap tolls for the sick, it would seem.

“Why should we have to wait for a regional assembly? If the issue is worth solving, action should be taken now.”

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