A privately-owned toll bridge in Eynsham, Oxfordshire which was put up for sale in May this year is to be sold at auction tomorrow through Allsop.
Occupying a strategic location at a crossing of the River Thames, just outside the village of Eynsham, the Grade II listed bridge is en route to Oxford City centre, 6 miles away. Avoiding the main arterial routes of the A40 and A420, it is a popular alternative, especially during rush hour: approximately 4 million vehicles pass over the bridge each year, paying a toll of 5p per car an d up to 50p per lorry.
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International buyers are said to be lining up to invest in the Swinford Toll Bridge which has a guide price of £1.25 million. Thanks to an Act of Parliament passed the year the bridge was constructed, the owner is able to collect the money tax free. Estimates suggest it could earn an income of £190,000 a year.
A campaign spear-headed by a local artist is attempting to get the toll scrapped. Motorists interviewed on BBC Radio 4 Today this morning complained that the collection of the toll leads to rush-hour delays.
The owner is not meant to make a profit: outstanding income after running costs and an undisclosed management fee is expected to be put aside for repairs.
