Severn Crossing toll charge to be scrapped in 2019
Announcing the move, taking effect from the end of 2018, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said removing the fees – which rise to as high as £20 for buses and lorries – will pump an extra £100 million into the local economy.
His timing has, however, drawn criticism from political opponents, with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones branding the announcement a “desperate attempt” to detract from another decision to abandon the electrification of the rail line to Swansea.
This news had been mostly expected, ever since the major parties all announced they would scrap Severn Crossing charges in their General Election manifestos.
Charges on the two Severn bridges only apply only to westbound traffic, a cause of much controversy, with some branding them a “tax on entering Wales”.
The standard charge for a car is £6.70, while large vans and minibuses pay double at £13.40. Each year around 25 million vehicles use the M4 to cross the Bristol Channel.
Upon returning to public ownership after 25 years – from the hands of Severn Crossings PLC – late next year, the bridges will be operated by Highways England.
We always welcome savings and less incurring costs for motorists here at U Drive Cover