Severn crossings will be free from 2018

The Severn Crossing will be operated by Highways England

The Severn Crossing will be operated by Highways England

Drivers will see an end to tolls on the Severn Crossings in 2018, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns has announced. The UK government said it delivering on a promise by Prime Minister Theresa May in May.

The pair of bridges over the Severn are used by more than 25 million vehicles using the M4 motorway.

The bridges are currently run by Severn River Crossing but when they come under public ownership they will be run by Highways England.

The Welsh Government estimates that scrapping the tolls would boost the economy of South Wales by around £100m a year and the average motorist could save over £1,400 per year.

"The decision to abolish the Severn tolls next year sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists alike that the UK Government is committed to strengthening the Welsh economy,” he said.

“By ending tolls for the 25m annual journeys between two nations we will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the joint economic prospects of South Wales and the South West of England.”

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “Tens of millions of motorists a year will benefit from the end of tolls on the Severn bridges, saving them money and cutting journey times. People who use the crossing every day will save a minimum of £115 a month.

“Abolishing the crossing fee will also drive economic growth for businesses in Wales and the South West and further strengthen the bond between our two great countries.

Removal of the tolls altogether has been a long-term policy position for the Freight Transport Association, with members on both side of the bridges incurring some of the highest tolls charges in the UK, money better spent on upskilling, recruitment and purchasing greener vehicles.

The Severn Bridge was built in 1966 and a second crossing was completed 30 years later. 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 it was announced that tenders would be invited from private consortia to fund, build and operate the second bridge and take over the operation of the first bridge. 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.