Business groups call for Severn tolls cut

BUSINESS groups are calling for a reduction in the Severn Bridge tolls as soon as the famous structure comes into public ownership.

Following the recent announcement that tolls will be set to increase, the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) have called for the tolls to be reduced to a level that only covers maintenance.

In a joint statement the groups expressed their concern for the negative impact the increased tolls could have on the southern Welsh economy.

Quoting a recent Welsh Government-commissioned study of the potential economic effects, the groups cite a £107 million economic boost as the chief reason to lower the tolls.

Ian Gallagher, Freight Transport Association Head of Policy for Wales and the South West said: “For too long businesses have had to pay high tolls to use the Severn Crossings; which are a vital artery between Wales and England.

“FTA believes that the tolls must be reduced as soon as the bridges pass into public ownership. As we look to the future, it is clear that the method by which the Seven Crossings were funded is not a suitable blueprint for new infrastructure projects, and we would call for government to steer well clear of any similar schemes.”

Iestyn Davies, Federation of Small Businesses Wales - Head of External Affairs added: “The current system of tolls places an unfair burden on road users to fund bridges that form a vital part of the UK’s transport infrastructure.

“However, we take some comfort from assurances that we have received from Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones who has told us that if the Welsh Government is given control of the crossings that, after raising sufficient money for maintenance, he would ‘look to reduce the toll levels paid by users of the crossings and alleviate the burden on the economy’.”

By Press Association reporter