MPs will visit Chepstow next week to take local views on the future of the Severn crossings.

 An oral evidence session is being held at the Drill Hall in Lower Church Street on Monday (June 13) from 10am to 11.30am as the Welsh Affairs Committee seeks views on plans to hand-

over the bridges to public ownership in April 2018.

 The committee, chaired by Monmouth MP David Davies, will first question the Freight Transport Association (FTA) before gathering opinions from members of the public. The FTA hosted a summit in Westminster on Tuesday (June 7) on the subject at which transport minister Andrew Jones MP answered questions.

  Mr Davies decided to launch an inquiry into the long-term future of the Severn crossings following chancellor George Osborne’s budget announcement in March that toll charges will be halved once the bridges revert to public ownership.

Traffic congestion, highways maintenance and toll payment methods will be scrutinised and the committee plans to establish the timescale for this process and examine what is in place to ensure a smooth transition.

 Mr Davies: “There has long been public interest in the effects of the tolls on the south Wales economy and the wider impact on users of the bridges. The announcement that the tolls are to be halved is therefore fantastic news. While it is not as much of a reduction as some were hoping for, it is certainly a welcome step forward.

 “The main priority now is to ensure a proper hand-over plan is in place when the bridges revert to public ownership.

“The potential for installing an electronic pre-pay system is another key issue, as reducing the tolls is likely to increase traffic levels and could lead to big queues on the toll plaza.

 “We are very keen to gauge local views as they will not only inform the committee but help us to investigate the subject thoroughly.”

 To attend the evidence session, register and book a free ticket by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-the-severn-river-crossings-share-your-views-tickets-25650070050.