Last week the government announced the toll charges on the Severn crossings will be scrapped at the end of 2018. An announcement that has been greeted with a sigh of relief from the freight industry. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) hailed the announcement as a victory, stating that they have spent the last ten years, lobbying for charges to be removed to boost business in Wales and the south west.
Last Friday (July 21st), the Secretary of State for Wales the Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, was at the Severn Bridge to make the announcement that all vehicles will be able to cross for free at the end of next year.
FTA’s Head of Policy for Wales and the South West, Ian Gallagher, said: “We have fought long and hard on behalf of FTA members to get these charges removed. They represent a huge financial burden for logistics companies in the area – money that would be better spent on upskilling, recruitment and purchasing greener vehicles.”
Swannells Transport – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon
Central Government Control – Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon
The two bridges spanning the Severn estuary on the M4 and M48 motorways in Wales have seen year-on-year price increases, costing the sector millions of pounds. The administration of the two bridges will revert to central government control by the start of 2018, when the current charging system will automatically end. Currently, it costs £20 for a HGV to cross into Wales and £13.40 for a van.
Mr Gallagher continued: “The announcement today heralds the death knoll of what are the most expensive tolls in the UK, representing a massive disincentive for inward investment and economic growth across the region, and is warmly welcomed by the Freight Transport Association and its members.
Before finally adding “Goods vehicle operators will be applauding this decision, a decision which will allow them to reinvest more than £43 million annually collected at the booths – money which can now be reinvested in job creation and improving fleets.”
Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon
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