Explanatory note

The Order extends the period during which tolls may be levied from 2nd July 1991 to 1st July 1996.

Section 4(1) of the Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968 limits the period during which tolls may be levied by the Secretary of State in respect of vehicles using the bridge to twenty years beginning with the date on which the bridge became open for use by traffic. (The twenty year period started on 2nd July 1971 and ends on 1st July 1991). Section 4(3) of the Act empowers the Secretary of State by way of order to direct that the 20 year period be extended if he is satisfied that the total revenue produced by the tolls is likely to fall short of what would be required to repay outstanding expenses of building the bridge and expenses of maintaining it all as set out in Schedule 2 to the Act.