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Tolls Could Rise to £6 in New Year 23 November 2011

Jessica raised the spectre that the Severn Bridge Tolls could hit £6 next year for cars, if they follow the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate of 5%. 

The Severn Bridges Act enables Severn River Crossing Plc to raise the tolls every year by RPI, but Jessica urged the Coalition government to act, as another increase will heap even more financial pressure on the families and businesses in Wales, particularly those in close vicinity to the bridges.  

Jessica said “The last thing families and businesses in Newport and Monmouthshire need is another rise in the bridge tolls. I know local hauliers are under tremendous financial strain, as are commuters who are being hammered from every angle.

Fuel is expensive, the bridge toll looks set to go up and train fares, if people are looking to avoid the other two increases, are also going up by RPI plus another 3%. The tolls should be frozen to ease the burden on local families and businesses.”

This is Jessica’s question and the Minister’s response: 

Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): For commuters and businesses in my constituency, high fuel prices are painful enough without the exorbitant cost of the Severn bridge tolls. If price increases follow the normal pattern, tolls will hit almost £6 per car this year. What action is the Secretary of State taking to help my constituents? 

Mr Jones: As the hon. Lady knows, the Severn bridge is privately operated. The franchise comes to an end in 2017, at which time the Government will consider their options.