The Liberal Democrats have promised to scrap the Severn Bridge toll if they remain in government after the next general election. The crossing is currently managed by Severn River Crossing Plc, although the concession is due to end in 2018. The existing toll is one of the highest in the UK and it is estimated that scrapping the charge could boost the local economy by as much as £107 million per year.
Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: “This will offer a huge boost to the Welsh economy and save the average commuter around £1,536 a year. These tolls shouldn’t be used as a money maker by either the Welsh or the UK government. Tolls are extremely rare in the UK, so I see no reason why people should be forced to pay to enter Wales.”
Article taken from the November 2014 issue of RUC Magazine
