Severn Crossing Toll

Written Evidence from the Campaign Against Severn Tolls (CAST)

As an organisation set up to abolish the Severn Bridge tolls in Wales, which has a considerable amount of support from the people in Wales for the campaign, we have already submitted an online petition to the Welsh Assembly Government calling for the abolition of the two Severn bridge tolls. This is already being investigated and discussed by the Petitions Committee of the Welsh Assembly. Also we have had considerable support from Welsh Assembly AMs and MPs in support of our campaign. We are of the opinion along with the population of Wales and all visitors to the Country that the Severn tolls are an unfair tax imposed on all Severn Bridge users entering into Wales.

(1) The impact on the Welsh economy is considerable. It is stunting economic growth, along with tourism and the freight and haulage industry. The damage to Welsh business is causing huge damage to all sectors.

(2)The current level of toll charges is far too high and CAST understands that some companies have decided against setting up any bases in Wales because of the Severn toll charges. Also a number of tourists have contacted us to complain about the toll charges and have told us that this will definitely be a factor when considering whether to visit Wales again.

(3) We have concerns about the damage and the corrosion to the main cables and repairs to the cantilever edges of the first Severn Bridge. Under the concession agreement signed by the UK Government with the private company that runs the Severn tolls, the taxpayer is still contributing to the maintenance of the bridge repairs. This is totally unfair that a private company is making a profit while the taxpayer is being charged for the maintenance of their bridge.

(4) We advocate that when the bridges have reverted to public ownership, the tolls should be abolished. This would have a considerable effect on lifting the economy in Wales and bring parity in line with the rest of the UK where tolls have been abolished. In principle the two Severn bridges were built with public taxes and as road users already pay a considerable amount of their income in road taxes, we advocate that the two Severn crossings should be free to use.

September 2010