Drivers and local residents have been invited to have their say about the future of the Severn River crossings.

As plans to hand over the bridges to public ownership in April 2018 approach, Monmouth MP David Davies is spearheading a committee to discuss the proposals.

 

Mr Davies launched an inquiry into the long-term future of the Severn crossings following Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget announcement in March that toll charges would be slashed in half once in public ownership.

 

The Welsh Affairs Committee, chaired by Mr Davies, intends to establish the timescale for this process and examine what plans are in place to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Traffic congestion, highways maintenance and toll payment methods will also be scrutinised.

 

“There has long been public interest in the effects of the tolls on the south Wales economy and the wider impact on users of the bridges,” said Mr Davies.

 

“The announcement that the tolls are to be halved is therefore fantastic news. While it is not as much of a reduction as some were hoping for, it is certainly a welcome step forward.

 

“The main priority now is to ensure a proper handover plan is in place when the bridges revert to public ownership.

 

“Furthermore, the potential for installing an electronic pre-pay system is a key issue as reducing the tolls is likely to increase traffic levels and could lead to big queues on the toll plaza.

 

“We are very keen to gauge local views as they will not only inform the committee but help us to investigate the subject thoroughly”.

An oral evidence session is being held at the Drill Hall in Chepstow, on Monday June 13 from 10am to 11.30am.