Tolls on the two Severn bridges will be scrapped in time for Christmas, Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, has confirmed.
Addressing the Conservative Party’s annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Cairns said tolls on the two motorway bridges linking Wales and England will be abolished on December 17, which is slightly ahead of schedule.
The move will end 50 years of tolls since the first Severn Bridge opened, which was followed by the Second Severn Crossing, recently named the Prince of Wales Bridge, in the 1996. Commenting on the announcement, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Many would argue that this should have happened years ago but it will be welcomed by all motorists who use the crossing daily which can add up to annual bill in excess of £1,000 for a car. Business drivers, holiday makers and commuters will have endured significant delays at the pay booths over the years. Perhaps now the Government may have an appetite to review other toll crossings where financially viable.”
