Lacroes floats Causeway Bridge toll during 2027 Budget debate

United People’s party (UP) Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes suggested a toll on the Causeway Bridge during a Central Committee meeting on the draft 2027 Budget on Monday 28 September. Lacroes said a small charge could provide government revenue and help reduce costs.

Lacroes said many people using the Causeway live on the French side, while the Dutch side bears the cost of maintaining the bridge. He said he did not care whether a toll was 25 or 50 cents, as even a small amount could help reduce government costs over time.

During the Budget discussion, Lacroes also questioned proposals for solar panels at GEBE, including what would happen to the infrastructure during hurricanes. He asked for clarity about Mullet Bay and said he would support an alternative to selling the property only if taxpayers received back money spent on it, including interest.

Lacroes also raised concerns about the Rental Tribunal, people he said were preparing immigration documents without legal degrees, GEBE’s fuel clause increase, government vehicles used by Justice, and ambulance availability. He said he understood that one or two ambulances were functioning.