Calls to reduce tolls on the Severn River Crossings have been made by the Freight Transport Association in the same week that the Second Severn Crossing celebrated its 20th anniversary.

 

Yesterday the group hosted a summit in Westminster to discuss the handover of the two bridges back to the Government by concessionaire Severn River Crossing PLC in 2018.

 

FTA’s head of policy for Wales & the South West Ian Gallagher said: “The actual date of the handover could be slightly earlier, with perhaps the end of 2017 seeing the debt repaid. It is important therefore that we start this debate now to ensure the mechanism is in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

 

“Scrapping the tolls altogether would be a fantastic outcome,” he added. “However that is unlikely so we should explore a reduction to a level that covers the operating and maintenance costs only, which is around £15M per annum. It should be noted that last year the bridges generated £98M so there is plenty of scope to considerably reduce charges to drivers.”

 

On Sunday the Second Severn Crossing marked 20 years since its opening. The 5128m long cable-stayed bridge and two extended viaduct approaches took four years to build at a cost of £330M.

 

Institution of Civil Engineers’ president Sir John Armitt said: “The Second Severn Crossing is a great example of how civil engineering connects communities, countries, businesses and people. I still get a thrill when I drive over it after 20 years.”

 

(Photo: Gareth Thompson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Common Licence)