TOLLS to cross the Severn Bridge will be completely scrapped from 17th December - two weeks earlier than planned.

The announcement was made by Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP - Secretary of State for Wales - in his speech to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham yesterday (2nd October).

In his speech Mr Cairns - who said scrapping the tolls had been his “number one aim”, highlighted plans for a new economic powerhouse between South Wales and the West of England.

Tolls, currently £5.60 for cars, have been in place since the original Severn bridge was opened in 1966. Welsh Government figures suggest the scrapping of the tolls will benefit the Welsh economy by around £100m each year.

Monmouth MP David Davies who has long campaigned for the end of Severn Bridge tolls hailed the announcement to scrap them completely on the 17th December.

Mr Davies chairs the Parliamentary Welsh Affairs Committee which has led a number of enquiries into the effect of the bridge tolls on the local economy.

Speaking yesterday morning he said: “The high cost of crossing from England into Wales over the bridges has long been a source of resentment for local people and frustration for business owners.

“Everyone welcomed the reduction which took place last year and the commitment to end the tolls but some people were starting to worry abut when this would happen.

“Ending tolls on the 17th will be a welcome Christmas present for businesses in Monmouthshire which will be able to welcome an increase in visitors and shoppers to the area. 

“The Government’s decision to end bridge tolls now needs to be matched by a commitment from the Welsh Assembly to build an M4 relief road. They have been discussing it for 20 years, now is the time for action.”

The announcement was also welcomed by Monmouth AM, Nick Ramsay.

“I applaud this decision of Theresa May’s government to scrap the tolls on the Severn bridges earlier than planned, bringing respite to hauliers, commuters and tourists,” said Mr Ramsay.

“No one should have to pay a fee to enter Monmouthshire and the abolition of the tolls is a clear sign that Monmouthshire and South East Wales are open for business.

“This is good news for Monmouthshire and I am sure the decision to scrap the tolls in mid-December will be particularly welcomed by anyone planning on crossing the bridges to visit family or friends over Christmas.”

Previously operated by Severn River Crossing Plc, both Severn bridges came into public ownership on 8th January this year, when VAT from toll prices was cut - reducing the cost of crossing the bridges by 20 per cent. From 2020-21, all revenue raised from Vehicle Excise Duty in England will be allocated to a new ‘Roads Fund’, and invested directly back into the roads network, including the Severn bridges which will be managed by Highways England. It costs an estimated £15 million annually to operate and maintain the crossings.