MONMOUTH MP David Davies met with key politicians this morning as part of an announcement to half tolls on the Severn crossings.

Mr Davies met with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, and Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns earlier today (13th January) at a blustery Aust Services.

It was revealed that the government aims to cut tolls by more than half when the bridges return to public ownership at the end of 2017/ 2018, with cars costing £3 for a return journey with the possible introduction of free flowing tolling.

Once the crossings return to public ownership they will be managed by Highways England.

Under the proposals, cars will pay £3 instead of £6.70, more than a 50 per cent saving. Small buses or vans will also pay £3, down from £13.40, a saving of 75 per cent; and lorries and coaches will pay £10 instead of £20, a saving of 50 per cent.

Blue Badge holders and motorcycles will continue to be exempt from the tolls. The money raised will pay for the operation and maintenance of the crossings as well as future improvements.

The government has also set out plans for these reductions to be applied to the rates paid by electronic TAG users, who are amongst the most regular users of the crossings. Under the proposals, cars will save £65.12 a month, small buses and vans will save £183 a month, and lorries and coaches will save £198 a month.

Free flowing tolling, and the possibility of day-time only charges, are being considered to counteract an expected 17 per cent increase in traffic by 2028 that will come with the lesser charge.

The changes are up for public consultation for members of the public to have their say about the future of the tolls.