Haulage firms using the Tamar Bridge in south-west England could face a major increase in toll charges if new proposals are given the go-ahead.
Officials intend to raise fees for using the crossing by 50 per cent, which would increase the levy for a five or six-axle HGV from £11 to £16.50.
The move could create additional costs for transport planning bosses already struggling with the effects of the recession and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has criticised the proposals.
Area manager for the organisation Michael Moore said: "There is never a good time to see a rise in tolls, but in the current economic climate, a rise of 50 per cent is totally unacceptable."
He added that although tolls had not increased at all over the past 15 years, the timing of the planned hike could not have been worse.
"We would have preferred to see a modest annual increase rather than a rolled up increase at this level," Mr Moore said.
His comments come after the RHA also expressed its concern at the lack of HGV testing stations made available in Wales since the closure of the older facilities last year, which it said is increasing costs for hauliers in the country.
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