Date set for bridge toll rise

Date set for bridge toll rise

The bridge, built in 1864, has never closed

Drivers using the Clifton Suspension Bridge will face rise in tolls from Saturday.

A single crossing is to go up from 20p to 30p on Saturday - the first price rise in 20 years.

The increase was first suggested by the bridge's trustees last June, but had to wait for government approval.

The trust says it needs the extra money to maintain the bridge and carry out improvements.

The money received in tolls each year is not enough to cover annual running costs on the bridge.

Bridge trustees' spokesman

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A spokesman said: "The money received in tolls each year is not enough to cover annual running costs on the bridge.

"At the new rate of 30 pence, the toll continues to be one of the lowest of its type in the country."

The cost of season tickets is not affected. Pedestrians and cyclists have been able to cross the bridge free of charge since 1991.

The bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was opened in 1864 and has not closed since.

Despite being intended only for horse-drawn traffic, it now carries some four million cars a year.