Drivers and businesses will benefit from proposed cuts to Severn
Crossing tolls following the return to public ownership,
Transport Secretary has announced today (13
January 2017), whilst on a visit to Wales with Welsh Secretary
.
The government’s proposals would see the prices paid for all
vehicles halved, making a significant difference to commuters,
travellers, and small businesses in particular, with some drivers
seeing savings of more than 75%.
The lower toll charges would be introduced when the crossings
return to public ownership and will save drivers and businesses
money helping boost the economy. It is expected that the new toll
charges would be introduced in 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 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 £3.00 instead of £6.70, more than a 50% saving
- small buses or vans will pay £3.00 down from £13.40, a saving
of 75%
- lorries and coaches will pay £10 instead of £20, a saving of
50%
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.
Welsh Secretary 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 set out plans for these reductions to be
applied to the rates paid by electronic TAG users, who are
amongst the most regular users of the crossings. Under the
proposals TAG Toll charges will also reduce:
- cars will save £65.12 a month
- small buses and vans will save £183 a month
- lorries and coaches will save £198 a month
The removal of toll barriers and the introduction of free-flow
tolling on the Severn Crossings would also allow two-way charging
which could mean the price charged for a single crossing will be
halved.
