UK to abolish Severn crossing tolls by end of 2018

TINNews |

The UK Government has announced that it will end toll charges on the Severn crossings in Wales by the end of next year.

UK Welsh Secretary 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.”

For more than five decades, the Severn crossings have served as an important link between Wales and England.

"People who use the crossing every day will save a minimum of £115 a month."

Each year, the bridges are used by more than 25 million vehicles as they save significant travel time of commuters and drivers using the M4 motorway. However, the tolls on both Severn crossings have been considered as an economic barrier to Welsh economic growth.

The government expects the decision to boost the South Wales economy by approximately £100m a year, with the average motorist potentially saving more than £1,400 per annum.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Tens of millions of motorists a year will benefit from the end of tolls on the Severn bridges, saving them money and cutting journey times. People who use the crossing every day will save a minimum of £115 a month.

“Abolishing the crossing fee will also drive economic growth for businesses in Wales and the south-west and further strengthen the bond between our two great countries.”