ONCE again Gerald Morgan voices irritation at Severn Bridge tolls and Venk Shenoi does his best not to explain the situation fully.

The facts. The Beachley/Aust bridge was constructed in the 60s. Opened by the Queen and attended by the then Minister of Transport Barbara Castle. The toll for a car was set at the time at 2/6d (121/2p). This was at the time of the Wilson government.

Subsequently the Major government conceded the need for an additional bridge but could not find the money. A bid was accepted from a French consortium to build the new bridge and to maintain both bridges in return for tolling rights for a set period on both bridges.

It did not take long for frustration at traffic problems arising from the one-way tolling arrangement to cause public demonstrations. The MP at the time (Marland) simply repeated Ministry of Transport drivel that all would work out for the best.

The situation is that the French appear very happy at the arrangements which have several years yet to run.

– B.W. Wheeler, Newnham.