FTA backs MPs call for ‘openness’ over Severn Tolls

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has backed the call by Newport East MP Jessica Morden for ‘openness’ from the Treasury about what it intends to do with the Severn tolls when the bridges revert to public ownership in 2018.
Leading the debate in House of Commons today, the Labour MP called for ministers to say whether or not they will reduce the tolls or keep them in place.

Ian Gallagher, FTA Head of Policy – Wales & Southwest said:
"This type of debate which was secured by Jessica Morden ensures that this important issue remains high up the political agenda. Unfortunately, the outcome still leaves FTA members who pay many thousands of pounds to cross the bridges uncertain about the future with many questions still unanswered."

On behalf of its members who pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in tolls at the Severn Crossing, the Freight Transport Association has long campaigned on the issue which was duly recognised during the Commons debate by the Minister today.

Mr Gallagher added:
"The Freight Transport Association’s view is that tolls should be reduced post concessionaire to cover maintenance only. To ask users to continue to pay for infrastructure which has been paid for many times over is fundamentally wrong."