Written evidence from the Institution
of Civil Engineers
1. On behalf of the Institution of Civil
Engineers Wales Cymru, I offer the following evidence in respect
of the call for evidence on the Severn Crossing Toll.
— Our nation's infrastructure underpins
our economic growth and quality of life.
— Both Severn Bridges are considered to
be part of the highway infrastructure of Wales—Wales needs
a transport system which encourages growth.
— Clear Asset Management Plans should be
in place backed by available financial resources.
— High toll levels will have a detrimental
affect on economic development of South East Wales.
— The methods of payment for toll charges
require updating with the use of debit/credit cards, web based
payment and updating the payment of the TAG system.
— When the bridges move to public ownership
they must be maintained properly.
2. There is a clear proven link between
the infrastructure of Wales and its economy. Our nation's infrastructure
underpins our economic growth and quality of life. Both of the
Severn Bridges are considered in this respect to be part of the
infrastructure of Wales. Furthermore these bridges provide parts
of the main highway gateway from the South and South East into
(and out of) Wales.
3. As the available alternative highway
routes avoiding the bridges are lengthy in both time and distance
they are now a vital link into Wales.
4. ICE Wales Cymru published a report on
critical infrastructure:
http://www.ice.org.uk/Information-resources/Document-Library/State-of-the-Nation---Critical-Infrastructure-regi
In this report reference is made to the critical
nature of not just the bridges but the role of the route M4. Wales
requires a transport system which encourages growth and helps
to improve quality of life.
5. In this respect, it is essential that
there are clear asset management plans in place to ensure that
the bridges are maintained to ensure that they are available for
use. The dual nature of the bridges is welcomed as this allows
essential maintenance on one bridge to be carried out whilst maintaining
the availability of the other bridge. The asset management plans
must also ensure that there sufficient financial resources available
to allow the required maintenance to be carried out. If this includes
toll charges in these difficult financial times these are accepted
provided that they are proportionate and at a reasonable level.
6. Clearly, high toll levels will have a
detrimental effect on economic development from a highway transport
perspective and may be seen as a disincentive to businesses in
South East Wales.
7. The methods of payment need updating
and should include use of debit/credit cards and consideration
of web based payment using number plate recognition systems. The
TAG system should be available on line with payments on line also
available.
8. When the bridges have converted into
public ownership the priority is to ensure that they are maintained
properly.
August 2010
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