A councillor has accused the council of using motorists as a 'cash cow' as the Itchen Bridge was once again ranked among the highest-earning toll roads in the UK.
New analysis by Moneybarn Car Finance looked into the total toll revenues from roads across the UK.
As of August 2024, the bridge generated £3.7 million within the last year, coming in eighth place.
This was still far behind the number one toll road - the Dartford Crossing in Essex, which raked in £215.9m in the last year.
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This comes as Southampton City Council voted to up the top prices from 80p to £1 in January.
Reacting to the latest findings, Tory councillor Jeremy Moulton said: "The Labour Council regard motorists and the Itchen Bridge as a cash cow, as shown by their recent hikes in charges and removal of off-peak rates.
"They are actively looking at what more they can squeeze out of local people through increased parking charges and through traffic camera fines. Residents can get a discount for the bridge with a Smart Cities card and I would urge any local people who use the bridge to apply for one."
Opened in 1977, the Itchen Bridge's toll is maintained to help pay for maintenance of the bridge as well as to help the flow of traffic over the bridge and void causing congestion in adjacent areas, the city council said.
A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: "The toll needs to be at a level that prompts drivers travelling from outside of the city to give meaningful consideration to their choice of route as well as ensuring the council maintains sufficient funding for future maintenance of the crossing.
"It is unusual for a local authority to have sole financial responsibility for a bridge of this size, but central government does not provide financial assistance for the ongoing maintenance of the structure."
It added: "Residents living within the boundary of Southampton qualify for the resident’s discount on the Toll. Any resident who meets the criteria but does not currently have a Smart Card can apply for one via the link www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/apply-pay/itchen-bridge/itchen-payment-card/
"Further information about the toll can be found on the Council's website."
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