FEES for the Whitchurch Toll Bridge are set to double in price despite protest from locals.
The fee on the privately owned bridge is set to double, rising from 20p to 40p on Monday, October 26.
Concessionary fares will remain the same and will not exceed 20p until 2013.
A public inquiry into the proposed fee was held in June by inspector, Martyn Heyes, who recommended approval.
The Whitchurch Bridge Company, who own the bridge, has said it needs the extra cash so it can raise £3.2m to pay for a replacement bridge.
In a report to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Heyes, said it was a reasonable proposal and added: “I conclude that, in the circumstances existing, it would be proper to make an order increasing the toll charge for use of the Whitchurch Bridge as set out in the application.”
The Grade II listed bridge was built in 1902 and is currently one of the most expensive of the three tolled bridges to cross the river.
During the two-day inquiry objectors said they were furious that the company needed to increase the fares so they could raise money to rebuild the ailing bridge however current law states they are entitled to do this.
Mr Heyes added: “I agree with those objectors who recognise the illogically of a company becoming more valuable as its principle asset nears the end of its life and when the cost of replacement is escalating, but the fact of the matter is that this is a consequence of the amendments made by the 1998 Act which effectively values the right to provide and operate the crossing.”
Reading West MP, Martin Salter, who has campaigned alongside residents, has condemned the increases.
He said: “I am obviously disappointed that the inquiry has ruled to increase the charges, impacting substantially on those that use the bridge regularly.
“For someone crossing twice a day and back this represents a £10 weekly charge, which is simply too much to pay.
“The local campaigners should be congratulated on how well they have fought this campaign against this increase and i’m sorry that we were not more successful.”
Secretary for the Whitchurch Bridge Company, Geoff Weir, added: “We know that objectors had strong views, but at the public inquiry they failed to put up any convincing arguments against the company’s case for a toll increase.
“The company can now get on with its plans to reconstruct the bridge in 2013.”