THE haulage industry is calling on the Government to keep its election pledge to scrap Severn Bridge tolls.

According to the Freight Transport Association, the two bridges on the M4 and M48 motorways have the highest toll charges on the entire UK road network.

It claims it represents a massive burden on road haulage businesses who have seen year-on-year price rises costing the sector millions of pounds.

Theresa May pledged to scrap the tolls ahead of the June 8 general election, which an independent survey five years ago by consultants ARUP said would be worth more than £107m a year to the Welsh economy.

The proposal wasn’t included in the Queen’s Speech, but could be enacted via secondary (delegated) legislation.

It currently costs £20 for an HGV to cross into Wales, £13.40 for a van and £6.70 for a car.

The FTA says a clear commitment from the Government to scrap any future charges is essential to provide certainty for business and to deliver economic benefit to the area. 

Ian Gallagher, FTA head of policy for Wales and the South West, said: “Removal of tolls on the Severn Bridges has been a key FTA priority for many years, so the election commitment by all parties to end the charges was welcome.

“FTA members are now looking for a firm guarantee from the Government to deliver on this promise to deliver much needed revenue to business at a time when inflationary pressure continues to grow.”

The administration of the two bridges at the Severn Crossing is due to revert to central government control at the end of this year or early 2018, when toll charging will automatically end.

However, a new charging system is currently planned to replace the tolls and the FTA says the Government must make an announcement to scrap charges altogether at the first opportunity.

Mr Gallagher added: “The unnecessarily high cost of doing business in Wales has been recognised as a barrier to inward investment by our members and their customers, and puts Welsh freight operators at a disadvantage when tendering for business in England.

“At a time when business needs as much encouragement to grow as possible, it is key that central government delivers on its promise, to help the logistics industry to keep Britain trading.” 

Savings for some FTA businesses would amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds annually, which could then be used to expand the business, increasing employment, and training or purchase of greener vehicles, he said.