DRIVERS will be celebrating on Monday (December 17) when the tolls are finally scrapped on the two Severn Bridges.

However, around 100 jobs are at risk with the axing of the toll roles.

Motorists have had to pay to cross since the first bridge opened 52 years ago, when it cost two shillings and six pence – the equivalent of 12.5p.

But the practise of paying to cross goes back centuries, as travellers previously had to fork out to be ferried across.

Drivers are currently paying £5.60 for cars and £16.70 for lorries and coaches, but from next week it will be free.

Daily commuters will save more than £1,400 a year, with the bridges seeing 25 million car journeys annually.

The scrapping of the tolls is thought to be the first time in 400 years that crossing the Severn estuary will be free.

The first bridge, which replaced the Aust Ferry and cost £8m, was open- ed by the Queen on September 8, 1966, followed 30 years later by the Second Severn Crossing, now named the Prince of Wales Bridge.

The latter will close westbound from Friday (December 14) at 8pm for the toll booths to be removed before reopening early on Monday, when narrow lanes with a 50mph speed limit will operate temporarily.

Motorists will be diverted over the weekend around the old M48 Severn Bridge between Aust and Chepstow.

The M48 crossing will then be closed westbound from Monday to Wednesday (December 19) for its booths to be removed.

Severn Bridges general manager, Hannah Milliner, said: “We would like to thank drivers for their patience while we carry out this work.”

The Welsh Government estimates the move will boost the Welsh economy by £100m per year.

Highways England said: “We have strong links with our colleagues in the south west region and are supporting redeployment efforts and job matching opportunities for all colleagues who would prefer to remain rather than take redundancy.”