We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
The UK Government has stuck to its pre-election pledge and confirmed that it will scrap the Severn Bridges tolls by the end of next year.
It currently costs car drivers £6.70 and van operators £13.40 to cross the bridges, which link England and Wales.
The bridges are expected to return to public ownership by the end of the year once construction cost debts are repaid to Severn River Crossing PLC, the current owner and operator.
At start of this year, transport secretary Chris Grayling announced that once the debts had been repaid greatly reduced charges (£3.00 for cars and vans) would come into force. However, the government pledged to scrap these charges in its election manifesto.
The government claimed scrapping the tolls could boost the economy of South Wales by £100 million a year, with the average motorist saving more than £1,400 per annum.
"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," said transport secretary Chris Grayling. "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."
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."
He added: "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. Most importantly, I want the world to know how accessible we are to business. The decision we have taken today is right for Wales' future prosperity and I am sure that it will be welcomed by industry and motorists alike."
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
