THERE were calls for the Severn Bridge tolls to be reduced at a public meeting in Chepstow on Monday (13th June), as the Welsh Affairs Committee continue an inquiry into the Severn River crossings. 

The meeting featured evidence from Ian Jarman, vice chairman of the Freight Council in Wales and Ian Gallagher, head of policy at Freight Transport Association (FTA), who spoke about the freight industry’s opinion on the current crossings and what is expected from the public handover. Later, the committee fielded questions from the public, who shared experiences of the use of the crossings.

The freight representatives concentrated on the cost of the tolls, with Ian Jarman calling it: “Absolutely the highest toll in the UK”. He spoke of the need for cutting the toll, and the possibilities of a discount for frequent users, including local residents and businesses. He also spoke of the lowering of tolls at off-peak times as an incentive to help solve congestion.

He said: “A 44 tonne arctic costs one pound a minute to run when stuck in congestion. We regularly see delays when using the tags by 20 to 25 minutes, and so there is not only a high toll charge but the cost of delays on top of that. 

“We schedule movements away from peak times as we don’t want vehicles tied up in congestion, but there needs to be other incentives.”

Ian Gallagher spoke of the need to lower the tolls, stating: “There is scope to reduce the tolls much further than the 50 percent level announced by the Chancellor at the last budget,” but highlighted the lack of distinct clarity in a handover plan. He said: “We’re as much in the dark as everyone else, and I feel sorry for the staff, who don’t know the date and don’t know what administration will be taking over. 

“This is not from want of trying, there is just no information out there.”

Members of the public voiced their surprise at the lack of clarity, as Chepstow resident Anne said: “Listening to this meeting, I have major concern about timeframes. 

“This is a major programme of change in less than a year with what seems like very little planning. It’s incredibly short notice.”

Residents from both sides of the bridge shared stories of the daily commute, with many voicing frustration at the cost of the tolls and the amount of congestion. 

Suzy from Caldicot explained how her husband, who works in Bristol finds the charges. “He spends one and a half thousand pounds a year on tolls to get to work, which is a large part of a wage. It needs to be at least halved, but I can understand the cost of maintenance.”

When questioned about how the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report will be received in parliament, Monmouth MP and committee chairman David TC Davies said: “Select committees are never encouraged, but are usually well received and listened to. The committee may conclude the Government is not moving quickly enough. As a local MP that is my opinion, and I will go on record saying that, but I cannot talk for the committee’s final decision.”

The inquiry continues to gather oral evidence on the planned Severn crossings handover. For more information, and to be notified of any further meetings, visit the Welsh Affairs Committee page on www.parliament.uk