The Aldwark Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Traffic Classification) Order 2025
The Aldwark Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Traffic Classification) Order 2025, effective September 10, 2025, revises toll charges for using Aldwark Bridge.
It updates the toll amounts for various vehicle classes and defines terms such as 'vehicle' and 'maximum weight', referencing existing legislation.
The order revokes the 2005 version and provides a new schedule of tolls, ranging from free for motorcycles to £2.60 for heavier vehicles, depending on the vehicle class and year.
Arguments For
Increased Revenue for Bridge Maintenance: Revised tolls may generate more revenue for the upkeep and necessary repairs of Aldwark Bridge, ensuring its long-term viability and safety.
Updated Toll Structure Reflecting Current Costs: The new toll structure accounts for inflation and increased operational costs associated with maintaining the bridge.
Clearer Traffic Classification: The order clarifies traffic classification, reducing ambiguity and disputes about toll application.
Legal Precedent: The order is made under the authority of the Transport Charges &c. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1954, providing a strong legal basis for the changes.
Arguments Against
Increased Burden on Users: Higher tolls could disproportionately impact local residents and businesses who frequently use the bridge, increasing their transportation costs.
Potential for Reduced Bridge Use: Increased tolls might deter some drivers, potentially decreasing traffic flow and negatively impacting local businesses that depend on that traffic.
Limited Consultation: The extent of public consultation preceding the implementation of this order isn't detailed, raising questions about the representation of stakeholder interests.
Alternative Funding Mechanisms: The order doesn't mention exploring alternative funding sources for bridge maintenance, such as government grants or public-private partnerships, which might reduce the reliance on toll increases.
This Order may be cited as the Aldwark Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Traffic Classification) Order 2025 and shall come into force on 10th September 2025.
This section establishes the order's title and effective date as September 10, 2025.
This is the official name by which the order will be known and referenced.
The tolls which the Trustees may demand and take for the use of the bridge and the classification by reference to which the amount of these tolls is to be determined are hereby revised so that as respects any class of traffic mentioned in column (1) of the Schedule to this Order the toll for use of the bridge for a single journey in either direction shall be the amount specified opposite that class in columns (2) to (5) of the Schedule.
This section announces a revision of tolls for crossing the bridge.
The specific toll amounts are detailed in a schedule.
The tolls apply to a single journey in either direction and are dependent on the vehicle's classification as outlined in the schedule.
In this Order— “the bridge” means the Aldwark Bridge, the construction of which was authorised by the Aldwark Bridge Act 1772; and “the Trustees” are the Trustees of the Aldwark Bridge established by the Act of 1772.
This section defines key terms used in the order. 'The bridge' refers to the Aldwark Bridge, and 'the Trustees' are those managing the bridge, both as defined by the 1772 Act.
The Aldwark Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Traffic Classification) Order 2005 is hereby revoked.
This section revokes the 2005 order, making the current order the governing document for toll charges on Aldwark Bridge.
SCHEDULE 5. In this Schedule— “vehicle” has the same meaning as in the regulations 3(2) of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986; and “maximum weight” means the total laden weight which must not be exceeded in the case of that vehicle if it is used in Great Britain without contravening any regulation for the time being in force or treated as being in force under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (construction and use regulations).
This schedule provides definitions specific to this order. 'Vehicle' is defined according to the 1986 Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. 'Maximum weight' is defined as the legal maximum weight limit for a vehicle in Great Britain, preventing any violations under the 1988 Road Traffic Act.
The scale of charges referred to in article 2 of this Order shall be as follows— [TABLE OF TOLL CHARGES]
This section presents the revised toll schedule, listing charges for different vehicle classes over a ten-year period.
The table specifies tolls for motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and goods vehicles, with varying charges based on vehicle weight and the year.