Severn Crossings tolls to be scrapped by end of 2018

Tolls on the Severn Crossings will be abolished by the end of 2018, the government has pledged.

It is hoped the move will help boost the South Wales economy by approximately £100 million per year, and save motorists who use the bridges regularly more than £1,400 a year based on a monthly tag charge of £117.92 over the course of a year.

Secretary of state for Wales Alun 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 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.

“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 is right for Wales’ future prosperity and I am sure it will be welcomed by industry and motorists alike.”

Ian Gallagher, head of policy for the South West and Wales Freight Transport Association, said: “This announcement is excellent news for the growth of the Welsh and south west economies, a real shot in the arm for those businesses and commuters who use the bridges on a daily basis.

“Removal of the tolls altogether has been a long-term policy position for the Freight Transport Association, with members on both side of the bridges incurring some of the highest tolls charges in the UK, money better spent on upskilling, recruitment and purchasing greener vehicles.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, also welcomed the move, saying: “All drivers in Wales and the rest of the UK should rejoice at this news. At last the ‘tax on Wales’ is being abolished.

“Half of drivers say they will plan their journeys to avoid paying tolls, but for drivers from the south of England the Severn Crossing is simplest way to enter Wales. Otherwise it’s a lengthy detour.

“It appears that this move was one of the few policies that both Labour and the Conservatives were united on at the election.

“The Severn toll was a toll too far and it will be good to see it abolished.”

However, King said it was “ironic” that tolls in Scotland had been scrapped years ago, and called on the government to remove all bridge tolls in the UK.

He added: “The Dartford crossing was ‘paid for’ in 2003 and yet consecutive governments have reneged on promises to scrap tolls once the bridge was paid for.”

“They still have the chance to make that promise come true.”