Good news for Bristol motorists as Severn tolls scrapped
Posted on: 21 Jul 2017The toll on the Severn crossings, which provide the links between Bristol and South East Wales, are to be scrapped as of next year, Welsh secretary Alun Cairns confirmed today.
Good news for a number of Bristol’s drivers came today, as it was announced that all tolls on the Severn crossings are to abolished by 2018. The Severn Bridges, which connect Wales to South West England, are the closest crossing points to Bristol and have charged the drivers who cross them since they opened in 1966 and 1992.
With each crossing costing £6.70 for a small vehicle and £20 for a lorry, these costs could easily add up for motorists – even with monthly passes, which started at £117.92 – who could pay up to £1,400 a year.
Now that this so called ‘Tax on Wales’ has been scrapped, the Welsh economy is set to receive a yearly boost of £100million. The news was given by Welsh secretary Alun Cairns, who made the formal announcement at an audience in Newport.
He said: “The decision to abolish the Severn tolls next year sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists alike that the UK government is committed to strengthening the Welsh economy."
“By ending tolls for the 25 million annual journeys between two nations, we will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the joint economic prospects of South Wales and the South West of England."