All eyes on Welsh Government as Severn Bridge tolls to be cut in January
The UK Conservative Government has today announced the Severn Bridge tolls will be cut for the very first time in January, as VAT is removed from the fees.
An important first step before abolishing the tolls altogether by the end of 2018, all eyes will now turn to the Welsh Labour-led Government which is currently in chaos over the M4 in South East Wales.
Responding to the announcement, Shadow Secretary for the Economy, Russell George AM, said:
“This is great news for commuters who will benefit from a cut in the price of the Severn Bridge tolls for the very first time, as the UK Conservative Government prepares the ground work for completely abolishing the tolls altogether by the end of next year.
“Abolishing the tolls could deliver a £100m boost to the Welsh economy, transforming it overnight. However, the ambition shown by the Conservatives needs to be matched by the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff Bay.
“After years and years of delay and prevarication, Welsh businesses and hardworking commuters want to see a decision taken by Labour on an M4 relief road for South East Wales.
“The Labour Party is sadly in chaos on this issue with backbenchers opposing any potential investment and warning of a judicial review. We need to see strong leadership from Carwyn Jones and his Ministers as the traffic problems we see on a daily basis around Newport are strangling the local economy.
“Wales can be well and truly open for business if action is taken, but the Labour Government needs to take the lead. After two decades of inaction, Wales’ creaking transport infrastructure cannot afford yet more years of neglect.”
