Bridge tolls won’t return says Government

The Government has said it has “no plans” to reintroduce tolls on the Severn crossings after details of a possible congestion charge emerged. 

The West of England’s 16-year transport plan said there had been a major impact on the road since the fees to cross into Wales were scrapped in December 2018 after being in place for 50 years. 

It floats the idea of “demand-management measures, such as charging measures and controls”, on both sides of the Severn. 

West of England mayor Tim Bowles denied there were plans to reintroduce tolls on the crossings themselves, and said he would oppose any such charge. 

He said: “Scrapping the tolls on the Severn Bridges has removed a barrier to our economy and opened up opportunities for businesses in the West of England and South Wales to grow and thrive. 

“Removing the tolls was the right thing to do. 

“There are no plans suggesting that tolls or any other form of charging on the bridges will be reintroduced and I would be strongly opposed to any such charge.”

The joint local transport plan – the West of England’s transport blueprint up to 2036 – said scrapping the Severn Bridge tolls was likely to increase delays on already congested roads, and there could be knock-on impacts on public transport. 

“Charges and controls” were mooted to tackle the issues, including a congestion charge, but no timescales were given and there was no detail on how any charges would be levied. 

The Weca spokesperson said councils are considering congestion charges, not the combined authority, and it has “no power” over decisions made by Highways England. 

A UK Government spokesperson added: “The UK Government has no plans to reintroduce tolls or charges on the Severn Crossings. 

“We removed the tolls to boost business, enhance inward investment, increase tourism and create jobs on both sides of the Severn. 

“Since their abolition, motorists are collectively saving hundreds of thousands of pounds per day and travel between Wales and south west England has been made easier.”