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Gloucestershire Business News

Tolls on Severn Crossings will be scrapped- NEW COMMENT

The decision to abolish tolls on the Severn Crossings will provide a major economic boost to businesses, it was predicted today.

Drivers will see an end to tolls on the two bridges connecting England and Wales in 2018, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns announced today.

It is estimated that the move will boost the economy of South Wales by around £100million annually  and the average motorist could save more than £1,400 per year.

The bridges are iconic landmarks that have served commuters, businesses and local communities in Wales and England for over 50 years.

They are used by more than 25million vehicles each year, saving significant travel time and distance for commuters and drivers using the M4 motorway.

But the tolls on both bridges heading from England into Wales have been seen as an economic and symbolic barrier to Wales' future prosperity.

Mr Cairns 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 25million 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.

"I want to ensure that visitors and investors know what Wales has to offer socially, culturally and economically.

"Most importantly, I want the world to know how accessible we are to business.

"The decision we have taken today is right for Wales' future prosperity and I am sure that it will be welcomed by industry and motorists alike."

The first Severn Bridge was opened in September 1966, providing a direct link from the M4 motorway into Wales, with a toll in place for use of the bridge to pay for the cost of construction.

It continually operated above capacity and in 1986 the then Government stated that a second bridge would be constructed.

In 1988 it was announced that tenders would be invited from private consortia to fund, build and operate the second bridge and take over the operation of the first bridge.

In 1990 the concession was awarded to Severn River Crossing PLC.

Construction work started in April 1992 and the second bridge was opened in June 1996.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Readers' comments:

Mike Cullis: I think it's about time the charges were dropped, I believe it was Ernest Marples, the MP for transport that said, when he opened it, the charges would be dropped as soon as the bridge was paid for. I wonder how many times has it been paid for by now?

Picture credit: geography; copyright Martin Edwards  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence 

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