TOLL fees for crossing the Itchen Bridge in Southampton are set to rise this month.

From June 17 drivers who are not residents of Southampton will be asked to pay 70p when crossing the bridge during off peak hours and 80p during pick time.

The bridge toll for cars, small vans and small 4x4s is currently 50p, rising to 60p at peak time. But it is now set to increase by 20p as part of the measures Southampton City Council (SCC) has taken to save more than £15 million by 2021.

As reported the increase was approved as part of the authority’s budget in February and is expected to raise £510,000 a year.

At the time, opposition councillors criticised the move. But SCC said covering the running costs of the bridge and managing congestion  are the two main reasons for maintaining a toll for crossing the bridge.

The authority said the toll would manage congestion by encouraging vehicles to take other routes better designed for high levels of traffic,  such as the A3024 which is currently being upgraded. 

Residents using the SmartCities card are already entitled to a discounted rate which will remain frozen at 40p (peak) and 30p (off peak).

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for transport and place, said: “This is not a decision we took lightly but it’s an important part of our plans to manage congestion, emissions and ensure the ongoing maintenance costs of the bridge are met in light of reductions in government funding to the council.

We are freezing the toll at the previous lower rate for residents. You just need to sign up for a SmartCities card via our website to take advantage of the discount.”

This is the first time the toll will rise in two decades.

SCC said the charges for cars crossing the Itchen Bridge have not been raised since 1997 when they increased from 40p/50p to 50p/60p.