TALKS were taking place yesterday (Tuesday) to avert a strike by toll staff on both Severn crossings this Friday.

Members of the Unite union voted for industrial action over shift patterns proposed by management at Severn River Crossing.

A threatened overtime ban and work-to-rule, which were due to have started on Monday, are not going ahead following progress made in negotiations last Thursday, said Unite regional officer Jeff Woods.

At lunchtime yesterday he told the Review: "I am going into talks with management and I'm optimistic that we will reach an agreement that will mean the 24-hour strike will not go ahead."

The strike was due to start at 5.55am on Friday and last until 5.55am on Saturday.

Severn River Crossing is obliged to keep the bridges open so one option may have been to suspend tolling – a move that would mean a serious loss of income for the company.

Mr Woods added: "Both Unite and the management are committed to finding a solution to the dispute and both sides are working hard to achieve a resolution."