Planned Severn Crossing Toll Reductions Do Not Go Far Enough

Plaid Cymru Infrastructure Spokesperson Dai Lloyd AM has stated that the UK Government plans to cut the tolls on the Severn Crossings do not go far enough, and that the tolls should be abolished totally.

Dr. Lloyd was reacting to the UK Government plans which will see tolls drop to £3 for cars, vans and small buses when the crossings transfer to public ownership in 2018.

Dai Lloyd stated:

“While any reduction in the tolls is a step in the right direction, there is no doubt that the UK Government needs to go further.

“There is strong support for the total abolition of the tolls from both motorists and business leaders. There is no doubt that tolls are an unfair tax on motorists who use the bridges regularly.

“There is cross party support for total abolition of the tolls within Wales. The National Assembly passed a near unanimous resolution to abolish the tolls in November.

“The UK Government has failed to listen to the people of Wales and the National Assembly on this matter.

“The proposed toll levels will continue to mean that there is essentially a tax in place on Welsh business and motorists, and sends the wrong message to potential investors.

“We need to be showing that Wales is not just open for business but that there are absolutely no reasons why investors should not look to set up here. That means total abolition.”