THE Euro-MP for the South West has called on the European Commission and the European Court of Justice to investigate the legality of tolls on bridges, including those on the two Severn crossings.
MEP Glyn Ford alleges that obliging people to pay to cross a bridge to move from one area to the next – particularly in a place where there is no feasible alternative – clearly contradicts EU laws on the free movement of goods, services and people.
"This issue is of particular relevance within the South West region where the charges on the two Severn crossings and the Tamar Bridge have not only aroused considerable opposition from local people, but also act as a deterrent to businesses who might otherwise think of investing in these areas," says Mr Ford.
The Labour MEP says the tolls on the two Severn crossings amount to putting up an impediment to investment.
A person taking one of the bridges over the Severn every working day faces an annual bill of around £1,000 a year, constituting a major obstacle for businesses looking to set up in the Forest of Dean.
In the Forest in particular the system of imposing a one-way East-West charge also has a dramatic effect on traffic movements in the area, notably toll-dodging transport companies sending trucks for Central and South Wales down the A48 via Gloucester.
Mr Ford has lodged his protest in a written question to the European Commission. He expects to have a response within six to eight weeks.