Severn tolls will be abolished by the end of next year

July 24, 2017 Read time: 1 min
Second Severn Crossing (© John Corry | Dreamstime.com)

Drivers will see an end to tolls on the UK’s Severn Crossings in 2018; the bridges are used by more than 25 million vehicles each year, saving significant travel time and distance for commuters and drivers using the M4 motorway.

However, the tolls on both Severn Crossings have been seen as an economic and symbolic barrier to Wales’ future prosperity.

It is estimated that this announcement would boost the economy of South Wales by around US$130 million (£100 million) a year and the average motorist could save over US$1,800 (£1,400) per year.

The first Severn Bridge was opened in September 1966, providing a direct link from the M4 motorway into Wales, with a toll in place for use of the bridge to pay for the cost of construction. It continually operated above capacity and in 1986 the then Government stated that a second bridge would be constructed.

In 1988, tenders were invited from private consortia to fund, build and operate the second bridge and take over the operation of the first bridge and in 1990 the concession was awarded to Severn River Crossing. Construction work also started in April 1992 and the second bridge was opened in June 1996.

When the bridges come under public ownership, they will be run by 8101Highways England.

Charging, Tolling & RUC Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Average driver spends nearly £1,000 and wastes almost five days stuck in traffic a year
    August 18, 2017
    The average UK motorist is being forced to waste £968 and spend 4.9 days stuck in traffic on major roads each year because of congestion, according to new analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA) in its new report, A country in a jam: tackling congestion in our towns and cities. Travel speeds across the country’s local roads continue to decrease, with the average speed on ‘A’ roads now just 25.2 mph, one per cent slower than it was this time last year. Congestion also significantly contributes to
    Read More
  • Congestion pricing - no such thing as a free ride
    October 2, 2018
    The widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles is likely to increase congestion, many experts believe. But Wes Guckert of Traffic Group believes that tolling could provide the answer. While it is still hard to wrap your head around the idea of getting into a vehicle without a driver, the industry is now used to hearing, reading, participating in the advancement of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Those in the industry have heard about Uber delivering a shipment of Budweiser, or the convoy of driverless trucks
    Read More
  • Florida’s Altamonte Springs uses Uber pilot program with Uber to expand transportation coverage
    April 5, 2017
    To Uber or Not to Uber, that is the question cities must answer as they consider the pros and cons of inviting private transportation service providers to fill transportation gaps. Back in 1999, Frank Martz, city manager of Altamonte Springs, Florida, had an idea to expand transportation services to areas not covered by the local bus company.
    Read More
  • Private investment in Latin American infrastructure on the rise
    January 23, 2015
    Private investment in infrastructure projects has grown significantly over the past decade in Latin America's six largest economies, with the exception of Mexico and Argentina, according to a Standard & Poor's report. In Mexico the retraction in private investment is explained by poor planning and execution of projects on the part of the government. Meanwhile in Argentina, the dip is explained by government intervention, according to the report. Outside the two regional powerhouses, private sector par
    Read More

Highlighted Content