At the moment, all changes in tolls can be subject to lengthy and expensive public inquiries.

The PTA believes this to be a cumbersome system which would not be conducive to attracting bidders for the financing, design, building and operation of the New Tyne Crossing.

It has proposed a system that would allow it to raise tolls in line with inflation and, if a larger increase is ever required, to hold a local inquiry itself before an independent inspector. There may still be some cases in which the Secretary of State for Transport could demand a public inquiry.

There has been lengthy correspondence with the Department for Transport about the PTA's tolling proposals. As a result, the PTA has agreed to modify its proposals very slightly.

The principal change is to require the Secretary of State to authorise any proposed change in the level of toll by a streamlined procedure. Effectively this will provide a further check in the system.

The PTA, its advisers and the Department for Transport have felt it appropriate to consult with everyone who was represented at the Public Inquiry and give them the opportunity to comment on the modification.

All interested parties have been contacted by letter. The deadline for comments is 29 October 2004.