TOLLS on the two Severn Bridges will be scrapped just before Christmas, the Secretary of State for Wales has announced.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns announced tolls on both bridges would be scrapped on December 17, about a fortnight ahead of schedule.

Regular commuters could save as much as £1,400 a year and the move is expected to give a boost to the economy on the western side of the bridges.

Mr Cairns, the Conservative MP for Vale of Glamorgan, said: “My number one aim when I became Secretary of State for Wales, was to do away with tolling that for half a century has restricted and distorted the growth and connections of the Welsh economy.

“Wales will be more open for business than ever.

“Scrapping tolls before the festive period is an early Christmas present for hard working commuters who will be £1,400 per year better off.”