Drivers and businesses will benefit from proposed cuts to Severn crossing tolls following the return to public ownership, UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has said.
Under UK Government plans cars, vans and small buses will pay £3 in tolls when the Severn crossings go into public ownership around 2018.
The Government is also looking at removing toll barriers and introducing free-flow tolling on the Severn Crossings that will help cut congestion and journey times.
Secretary of State Chris Grayling said: “The Government is determined to make the right decisions for Britain’s future and reducing the tolls on the Severn Crossings will cut costs for businesses helping boost jobs and trade in Wales and across the south-west.
“The future toll prices announced today will not only guarantee the future and safety of the crossings for generations to come but will also boost the economy whilst offering the best value for money for motorists and the taxpayer.”
Once the crossings return to public ownership they will be managed by Highways England.
Under the proposals cars will pay £3 instead of £6.70; small buses or vans will pay £3.00 down from £13.40; lorries and coaches will pay £10 instead of £20; while Blue Badge holders and motorcycles will continue to be exempt from the tolls.
The money raised will pay for the operation and maintenance of the crossings as well as future improvements.
The UK Government is also seeking views on the introduction of a two-way barrier-free charging system using cameras to record vehicle crossings and charging each way.
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: “This is excellent news for people living and working in Wales who use the Severn Bridge, particularly van drivers who will pay over 75% less money.
“These savings will make a huge difference to those who use the crossing regularly and it will provide a major boost to companies pitching for new business, who can now be much more competitive.
“The Severn crossing is a vital artery into Wales and reduced tolls demonstrate once again that Wales remains open for business.”
The Government has also said the toll reductions will be applied to users of the electronic TAG system.
Wales’ Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates AM, said: “The Welsh Government has repeatedly called for the tolls to be scrapped once the Severn bridges revert to public ownership and we will continue to lobby the UK Government for this.
“We, like communities and businesses on both sides of the border, would hope to see this made a reality at the earliest opportunity.”
No it won’t make any difference as they will introduce the £3 charge in both directions –
“The UK Government is also seeking views on the introduction of a two-way barrier-free charging system using cameras to record vehicle crossings and charging each way.”
Then at the turn of the year the charge will be increased to £3.50 meaning it will be more expensive to cross the bridge than the £6.70 it is now…..do they think we came down in the last shower!!
Mr Skates be careful what you wish for – a completely toll free bridge would mean more of us South East Wales dwelling folk would head across to Bristol and Bath more often meaning less of us spending our cash in Chepstow, Newport, Cardiff etc.
It costs £1.50 for a car to use the Humber Bridge in England. These prices are frozen until 2021.