Severn Bridge tolls to be scrapped on 17 December

The move is estimated to save regular users £1,400 a year, and boost the local economy by £100m a year

Severn bridge tolls

Tolls for the Severn Bridge crossing, which links England and Wales, will be scrapped for all vehicles on 17 December 2018, saving regular users £1,400 a year. 

The move is estimated to boost South Wales’ economy by £100m a year according to Welsh Secretary, Alun Cairns, who made the announcement at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.

"The principle of paying to come in to Wales is something that has irritated us for 50 years," Cairns told BBC Radio Wales.

The two bridges – one on the M4 and the other on the M48 – are used on average by 25 million drivers a year, and scrapping the fees could save regular users as much as £1,400 a year.  

Dart Charge: how to avoid a Dartford Crossing fine

At present, it costs motorists £5.60 to cross the Severn Bridge into Wales in a car, while vans and small buses pay £11.20 for the privilege, and lorries and coaches pay £16.70. Traffic crossing in the other direction to leave Wales does not currently pay a toll, and crossing fees were reduced in January 2018 after the bridges returned to public ownership. The bridges' annual maintenance and operational bills run to an estimated £15m.

Commenting on the announcement, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA says; “The scrapping of the Severn Tolls this December is a Christmas present drivers heading to Wales are thrilled to receive. 

“Drivers in the South East will now hope that the Government extends this festive cheer by removing the tolls at the Dartford Crossing.”

The Government had previously promised to axe the tolls by the end of the year. At the time this announcement was made, Cairns said: "The decision to abolish the Severn tolls...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 25m annual journeys between two nations, we will strengthen the links between communities and help transform the joint economic prospects of South Wales and the south-west of England." 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said at the time: "Tens of millions of motorists a year will benefit from the end of tolls on the Severn bridges, saving them money and cutting journey times. Abolishing the crossing fee will also drive economic growth for businesses in Wales and the south-west and further strengthen the bond between our two great countries.”

How regularly do you use the Severn bridge? Tell us in the comments below. 

Recommended

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis
BMW iX3
News

Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis

We look into claims that electric cars face higher insurance premiums than ICE equivalents
22 Nov 2023
No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement
Parliament
News

No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement

Chancellor resists calls from industry to fund EV purchase grants or reduce VAT on public charging
22 Nov 2023
What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?
News

What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?

We look at some of the options for chancellor Jeremy Hunt when he announces his plans on 22 November
21 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023