The toll bridge spanning Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire has reached the midpoint of its operational lifespan and could require complete reconstruction for the first time in two centuries.
Those responsible for managing the bridge have cited both ongoing operational expenses and the necessity to finance a substantial replacement project as justification for what the local MP has labelled a tariff increase exceeding inflation.
The Dunham Bridge, linking the Bassetlaw district of Nottinghamshire with the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, has been in service since 1832, with users required to pay staff at the toll booths.
The fees for crossing officially rose from Saturday, meaning car users must now pay 70p instead of the previous 50p.
Van drivers now face a charge of £1.50, up from £1, while lorry drivers must pay £4, increased from £2, to use the only toll bridge in the East Midlands.
The constituency represented by Reform UK MP for Newark Robert Jenrick includes the Nottinghamshire approach to Dunham Bridge, and the MP has sent correspondence to those overseeing the site expressing opposition to the tariff increase.
Mr Jenrick communicated that he had been approached by numerous residents and business operators who held serious concerns about these rises and the consequences for those who depend on the crossing daily.
He explained that these rises would impose extra costs on local inhabitants, those who travel for work and businesses at a time when many are already managing increased expenses.
He identified that those most impacted would be individuals with no alternative but to use the crossing, such as care staff, tradespeople, delivery workers, agricultural workers and transport operators.
He noted that for many, Dunham Bridge is not a discretionary route but a vital part of everyday life.
Stephen Betteridge, a director with the Dunham Bridge Company, indicated the previous toll increase occurred in July 2023 following a public inquiry.
The Department for Transport may arrange such an inquiry if a formal objection is submitted regarding a toll bridge increase.
Dunham Bridge published its increase proposal on its own website, the Department for Transport website, in two regional newspapers and at its toll booths, though for this latest increase, no formal objection was submitted.
According to Mr Betteridge, the principal reason for this increase stems from the fact that the projections underpinning the previous rise were overly optimistic regarding post-pandemic traffic recovery and anticipated cost growth including wage increases.
Mr Jenrick argued in his letter that the cost increases do not warrant such a substantial price hike, whereas Mr Betteridge contended the rise has not exceeded inflation when considering both CPI and RPI measurements over the past two decades.
Dunham Bridge was established to offer a road connection between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, with boats previously employed to transport passengers between the two counties. The only alternative crossing points locally were bridges at Gainsborough and Newark.
Outlining why additional revenue is now necessary, Mr Betteridge explained that beyond covering routine operational expenses, contributions are made into two funds, one being the major maintenance reserve. There is also a separate reserve for the eventual reconstruction of the bridge.
He noted that the bridge was designed with a 100-year lifespan, which does not mean the structure will collapse precisely 100 years after opening, but these funds are set aside so that future generations hopefully will not face the difficulty of lacking resources to rebuild the bridge.
The bridge’s superstructure, the section resting on the foundations, underwent replacement in 1978 and is currently at the halfway point of its intended 100-year lifespan.
As well as the superstructure reconstruction anticipated for the 2070s, the supporting piers and abutments respectively connecting the bridge to the ground and to the roads on either side may require replacement for the first time since 1832.
An inspector has previously determined that the Dunham Bridge Company’s contributions to both its major funds represent prudent financial management, and overall, Mr Betteridge reports that most people are accepting the situation.
The director observed that toll roads and toll bridges rarely rank among the most popular ventures with the public, but there are occasional users who object to paying, while many regular users speak positively of the toll booth staff and view that interaction favourably.