TOLLS on both the Severn Bridges went up on January 1, bringing yet more woes for Forest and Wye Valley commuters.

They are already facing huge increases in fuel costs, congested roads, plus some of the most challenging driving conditions of modern times.

A modest rise of just 20p is to be levied on cars and motor caravans. taking the fee to £6.20, charges for vans and small buses will rise by 30p to £12.40, while HGV drivers face a rise of 50p to £19.60.

The move will be most concerning to villages and communities who live along the A48 between Gloucester and Chepstow – for they will bear the brunt of the increased traffic trying to avoid paying to cross the river by coming cross country via Over bridge.

The French-owned company who own the two bridges are allowed to increase the bridge tolls each year under the Severn Bridge Act of 1992 – the year that they took over ownership and control of the bridges and their approaches.

Bridge charges remain in place only for those commuters crossing from England into Wales.