Bikes pay new bridge toll

New proposals could see motorcycles charged £4 to cross the new Thames Gateway Bridge being built between Beckton in East London and Thamesmead south of the river.

The new Bridge received planning permission in December and the maximum toll charges have just been set by Transport for London at £4 for all cars, bikes and caravans.

This goes against the precedent set by the free use by bikes of the Datford crossing and the exemption from the London congestion charge. Even on the new M6 toll road bikes pay a discounted rate compared to cars.

Rider rights organisation the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has already lodged a formal objection.

MAG’s President Ian Mutch, who lives in East London said “This proposal flies in the face of contemporary thinking on the role of motorcycles in an integrated transport policy. There seem to be some elements within TfL who are singing off song. They need to get with the programme which recognises the simple truth that two wheels cut jams.”