TOLLS on the Severn Crossings will be abolished at the end of 2018, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns has confirmed today (21st July).

Earlier in the year during the General Election campaign, Prime Minister Theresa May had pledged to scrap the tolls. It is estimated that the scrapping of the tolls will boost the economy of South Wales by around £100 million a year, and save the average motorist £1,400 per year.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “The decision to abolish the Severn tolls next year sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists alike that the UK Government is committed to strengthening the Welsh economy.

“By ending tolls for the 25 million annual journeys between two nations we will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the joint economic prospects of South Wales and the South West of England.

“I want to ensure that visitors and investors know what Wales has to offer socially, culturally and economically. Most importantly, I want the world to know how accessible we are to business."

The crossings will revert to public ownership when the current concession ends in late 2017 or early 2018. When under public ownership, the crossings will be run by Highways England.

Ian Gallagher, Head of Policy for South West and Wales Freight Transport Association welcomed the announcement. He said: “This announcement today is excellent news for the growth of the Welsh and South West Economies, a real shot in the arm for those businesses and commuters who use the bridges on a daily basis.

“Removal of the tolls altogether has been a long-term policy position for the Freight Transport Association, with members on both side of the bridges incurring some of the highest tolls charges in the UK, money better spent on up-skilling, recruitment and purchasing greener vehicles.”