Severn Bridge Tolls "Not a Happy New Year"

4.15.59pm GMT Tue 2nd Jan 2007

Tolls on both Severn Crossings increased above inflation on New Years Day

Wales is being put at a serious disadvantage now that the Severn Bridge Tolls have broken through the £5 barrier, says a leading Assembly member.

Speaking today as tolls increased on New Year's Day to £5.10 for cars, local Assembly Member Michael German, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly for Wales said "The New Year has seen the £5, £19 and £15 barriers breached for cars, vans and lorries respectively. Breaking the £5 barrier for car drivers is hardly a 'happy new year' message for daily commuters.

"This large increase will only increase the impact on the local economy putting small businesses at a competitive disadvantage to their West Country competitors."

Meanwhile, Mr. German is investigating the reasons as to why bridge users cannot use debit and credit cards to pay the tolls. "If this is down to the Severn Bridges Act then parliament needs to change to act and catch up with the times."