CUTS of up to 75 per cent in the cost of crossing the Severn bridges are being proposed by the government.

The new charges, which would be expected to be introduced in 2018 when the bridges revert to public ownership, mean drivers of cars, vans or small buses will pay £3 while the toll for lorries and coaches will fall to £10.

Monmouth MP David Davies welcomed the news, saying £3 was “as good as it is going to get for the time being.”

There are reductions of at least 50 per cent for cars, lorries and buses with a cut of 75 per cent for vans and small buses.

The Department for Transport has announced a consultation on the future of the crossings and in particular the tolling regime.

Among the other proposals being looked at are “free flow” tolling with no toll booths and users either paying in advance or up to a day later.

The government is also looking at scrapping tolls for overnight traffic – evidence from the Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex indicates that some traffic could be re-timed taking lorries, in particular, off the bridges at peak times.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Reducing the tolls on the Severn Crossings will cut costs for businesses, helping boost jobs and trade in Wales and across the south-west.

“The future toll prices announced will not only guarantee the future and safety of the crossings for generations to come but will also boost the economy while offering the best value for money for motorists and the taxpayer.”

Conservative MP Mr Davies added: “The Welsh Affairs Committee, which I chair, has been a longstanding champion of a reduction in toll charges. We scrutinised the future of the Severn crossings last year and previously published  a report advocating lower tolls in 2010.

“Of course, in an ideal world, I would like to see tolls scrapped altogether but I accept the ongoing maintenance costs of the bridges need to be covered. £3 is as good as it is going to get for the time being.

“The main priority now is to ensure a proper handover plan is in place when the bridges are handed back to public ownership.

“Moving forward, the potential for installing an electronic pre-pay system using number plate recognition is a key issue as reducing the tolls is likely to increase traffic levels and could lead to even bigger queues on the toll plaza.”

Newport East Labour MP Jessica Morden said: “At long last the government is finally going to publish the consultation on the future operation of the Severn Bridges. 

“With the end of the concession fast approaching it’s absolutely crucial that bridge users and businesses have a say. 

“I would urge everyone to take this opportunity to put forward your views.”

The consultation runs until Friday, March 10 and is available on the www.gov.uk website.