Itchen Bridge Toll to be scrapped for motorcyclists

Riders in Southampton will soon be able to cross the Itchen Bridge without paying the toll charge.

Instead Southampton City Council is launching a scheme where riders will scan a key fob in order to cross free of charge, due to come into effect early this year.

Motorcycle Action Group had called for the toll charge to be scrapped for bikers.

Geoff Breeze, of the Southampton Motorcycle Action Group, said, “We sent emails to all of the city’s councillors, and they invited us to several meetings to put our argument across.

“We argued that motorcycles are more environmentally friendly than cars, and that this would be a gesture of goodwill to us.

“We also argued that allowing motorcyclists through without paying the charge would ease congestion, whilst they would not lose out on huge amounts of revenue.”

Whilst this change is due to be made, it is still not the end of the campaign from the group.

“Whilst this is still a positive step forward, it is still not free for all motorcyclists. There are mixed feelings as it is only free for residents of the city or who use the bridge regularly.

“We will continue to campaign for it to be free for all motorcyclists.”

Steve Chewins, who works for the council on the bridge, said, “It’s not happening yet, but it’s hoped to come in at the end of February. The development of the key fob system is in process.

“Flyers will be distributed at the bridge to motorcyclists telling them how to apply.”