Martin Salter has welcomed the announcement this week from the Secretary of State for Transport that there would be a public inquiry into the decision by the Whitchurch Bridge Company to double the toll charges between Pangbourne and Whitchurch from 20p to 40p.

In December Martin Salter wrote a joint letter with Henley MP John Howell to Transport Minister Paul Clark objecting to the 100% increase and supporting residents’ demands for a full public inquiry.

Mr Salter said:-

“I’m delighted that the representations from John Howell and myself, together with the many letters from local residents on both sides of the bridge have been listened to. We now have a great chance to have the unacceptable toll hike thrown out, although much will depend on what are the exact terms of reference of the public inquiry. My job is to make sure that this inquiry is able to consider the impact on people having to cross Whitchurch Bridge four times a day. That represents about £10 per week which is a lot to ask for those on tight family budgets.”