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AN OBJECTION to a planned increase in money motorists pay to cross Dunham Bridge has been thrown out by the Government.

The National Alliance Against Tolls (NAAT) lodged its objection to plans by the Dunham Bridge Company to raise the tolls for certain types of lorry on the Trent crossing.

It follows news that a VAT reimbursement scheme is to be withdrawn and could result in the difference being passed on to motorists using the key crossing between Notts and Lincolnshire.

NAAT co-ordinator John McGoldrick criticised the plans.

"Drivers pay too much in tax already and should not have to pay extra to use any of Britain's roads," he said.

"This increase is particularly galling as it is claimed it is required to cover VAT payments which the bridge owners will have to start making to the Government. In effect, this will be a tax on top of a tax."

In 2000, the European Union decided that VAT should be payable on road tolls but the Government operated a reimbursement scheme for toll operators, meaning the tax was not passed on to drivers.

But from March 31 this year the scheme will cease and VAT will then be passed directly to Dunham Bridge users.

The bridge's owners say part of the new toll plan is to have one charge for all lorries in order to simplify and speed up collection to cut down on delays.

Charges for small cars, vans and minibuses could be bumped up from 30p to 36p.

In a letter to Mr McGoldrick from the Department of Transport, it says that as the alliance is a body and not a person, the objection has been rejected. It also states that because he is not directly affected by the potential toll increase, a requirement for an official objection, this invalidates his claim.

"This would mean that they don't need a public inquiry, and the Government can just nod through the toll increase," said Mr McGoldrick.