THE Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns has spoken about the possibility of a free-flowing tolling system on the Severn Bridge which would charge users both ways.

Whilst speaking to business leaders at the Wales Economic Breakfast last Friday (4th November), Mr Cairns spoke about the possibility of free-flow tolling, with charges both ways being as low as £1.80.

A free-flow model is used at the Dartford Crossing on the outskirts of London, which through automatic number plate recognition allows users to pay online or by phone before or after using the crossing.

According to statistics from the Department of Transport, since the introduction of a free-flow system on the crossing journey times have decreased by a third.

The comments come ahead of a consultation into the Severn crossings which will look at a range of tolling options, with a free-flow system being one of them.

The government has pledged to halve the tolls when the Severn river crossings comes into public ownership, which is estimated to be between October 2017 and February 2018. The handover will happen when the repayment from takings in tolls has reached £1.029 billion.

A free-flow system can reduce congestion and help traffic flow, but it comes at a high financial cost.

The consultation is yet to start, but it is thought that when in public ownership the tolls taken will cover the bridge’s own costs, including any changes in tolling system.

In July MP Andrew Jones, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport, spoke to the Welsh Affairs Committee as part of the committee’s Severn Crossing Inquiry.

He explained he was “generally very in favour of free-flow tolling because it allowed for unimpeded journeys and improves congestion challenges, but it also comes with a cost.

“We would be looking to make the system wash its own face.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: "The UK government will launch its consultation on halving the tolls at the Severn Bridge shortly.

“This would be a positive move for all motorists and demonstrate Wales is open for business."