Itchen Bridge 80p off-peak charge set to be scrapped

Southampton City Council is proposing to scrap the 80p off-peak charge for cars and small vans and make drivers pay £1.

City residents who currently benefit from a concessionary toll will also see a rise in charges.

The off-peak price of 30p will be replaced by a 40p toll under plans drawn up by the authority, which is struggling to balance the books.

The cost of using the Itchen Bridge looks set to rise for the second time in less than a year (Image: Stephen Bath)

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader of the Conservative opposition group, said: "This is another attack on the motorist by the Labour council, who see drivers as a cash cow.

"Hiking up charges for the bridge, combined with increased parking charges on Sundays and evenings, will push shoppers and visitors away from Southampton and will hurt businesses and jobs in the city."

READ MORE: Tolls on the Itchen Bridge are set to rise

Royston Smith, Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "Despite the council's claims, the increase in tolls is to pay for their financial mismanagement.

"Labour can’t balance the books so the already overburdened residents will have to pay."

The view from the Itchen Bridge (Image: John Ruddy)

Angry motorists have contacted the Daily Echo to protest about the proposed increases.

One woman who uses the bridge five days a week said she would have to find an alternative route. She also complained that suicide prevention measures announced in February had not been implemented.

Another driver added: "I'm already cutting down on visits to Southampton. I'll cut down even more now."

READ MORE: Itchen Bridge tolls raised £2m for Southampton City Council in 2022

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport, said the 46-year-old bridge required ongoing maintenance, which had to be funded by the council.

He added: "All vehicle crossings place wear and tear on the bridge, and the toll should reflect this.

"Investment in the bridge is necessary if this key link between communities is to be kept secure and in good working order for Southampton residents, businesses and visitors, now and in the future."

Under the proposed increases, HGVs will be charged £40 to use the bridge - up from £25.

Civic chiefs say the charge needs to be kept at a level that "strongly encourages" lorries to use Bursledon Road and Bitterne Road West rather than Portsmouth Road, which is not suitable for large volumes of HGV traffic.

The toll increase is the second to be announced in less than a year.