Menu
05/11/2012
Severn Bridges Toll Scrappage Would Boost Economy
Scrapping the Severn bridges toll could boost the Welsh economy by £107m, according to a government report.
First Minister Carwyn Jones believes control of the bridges should be transferred from the UK government to the Welsh government by 2018.
The Welsh government report says businesses and consumers spend £80m a year crossing the Severn bridges. They worked with Engineering consultants Arup to discover what would happen if the tolls were halved, increased by 50% or scrapped altogether.
The tolls range from £6 for a car to £18.10 for the large lorries and buses.
Abolishing the tolls would increase traffic by an estimated 12% boost productivity by around 0.48 and improving south Wales' economic output by around £107m.
The FM said: "I want to work with the UK government to achieve a situation where decisions about charging will be a matter for the Welsh government.
"It is too soon to say what the best solution would be if we gained control over the tolls.
"There are a number of options available and we would need careful consideration of how any revenue raised would be used.
"However, what is clear is that these decisions should be made in Wales."
Severn River Crossings Plc's concession will end when takings from the tolls reach £996m at 1989 prices, this is scheduled for 2017.
(GK)
First Minister Carwyn Jones believes control of the bridges should be transferred from the UK government to the Welsh government by 2018.
The Welsh government report says businesses and consumers spend £80m a year crossing the Severn bridges. They worked with Engineering consultants Arup to discover what would happen if the tolls were halved, increased by 50% or scrapped altogether.
The tolls range from £6 for a car to £18.10 for the large lorries and buses.
Abolishing the tolls would increase traffic by an estimated 12% boost productivity by around 0.48 and improving south Wales' economic output by around £107m.
The FM said: "I want to work with the UK government to achieve a situation where decisions about charging will be a matter for the Welsh government.
"It is too soon to say what the best solution would be if we gained control over the tolls.
"There are a number of options available and we would need careful consideration of how any revenue raised would be used.
"However, what is clear is that these decisions should be made in Wales."
Severn River Crossings Plc's concession will end when takings from the tolls reach £996m at 1989 prices, this is scheduled for 2017.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2013
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
13 May 2011
New Team Delivers For Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones has today announced the members of his new Cabinet as the Welsh Government begins its ambitious programme to stand up for Wales and create a country of equality, opportunity and social justice.
New Team Delivers For Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones has today announced the members of his new Cabinet as the Welsh Government begins its ambitious programme to stand up for Wales and create a country of equality, opportunity and social justice.
10 October 2005
Rescue operation continues following South Asia quake
British rescue teams joined with others from around the world as an international effort to search for survivors following the devastating South Asia earthquake at the weekend. Nearly 20,000 people, including hundreds of children, are reported to have died in the quake, which shook Pakistan, north India and Afghanistan early on Saturday morning.
Rescue operation continues following South Asia quake
British rescue teams joined with others from around the world as an international effort to search for survivors following the devastating South Asia earthquake at the weekend. Nearly 20,000 people, including hundreds of children, are reported to have died in the quake, which shook Pakistan, north India and Afghanistan early on Saturday morning.
30 March 2005
Darfur death toll 'grossly underestimated', MPs claim
British MPs have claimed that the death toll in the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan could be much higher than previously estimated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had estimated that around 70,000 people had died since the conflict erupted in 2003.
Darfur death toll 'grossly underestimated', MPs claim
British MPs have claimed that the death toll in the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan could be much higher than previously estimated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had estimated that around 70,000 people had died since the conflict erupted in 2003.
05 May 2005
Dozens killed in Baghdad attacks
Another series of attacks on security forces in Baghdad has left as many as 24 people dead. At least 13 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a recruitment centre for the Iraq National Guard. Ten Iraqi police were reported to have been killed during two separate gun attacks, in the west of the Iraqi capital.
Dozens killed in Baghdad attacks
Another series of attacks on security forces in Baghdad has left as many as 24 people dead. At least 13 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a recruitment centre for the Iraq National Guard. Ten Iraqi police were reported to have been killed during two separate gun attacks, in the west of the Iraqi capital.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
