FTA outrage at Severn Toll hike
HGV operators using the Severn crossing will be forced to pay an extra 80p in the New Year.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been very vocal in its campaign to freeze what it has labelled ‘gratuitous and cynical’ tolls hikes, but had been encouraged by the decision to look more closely at the damaging and undeniable impact these tolls have on businesses, on both sides of the river.
“Mike Penning’s announcement has come as a massive body blow to the industry which will be felt across Wales and the south west of England. The decision to charge so much for vehicles that have to use the bridge is not only irresponsible, when companies are struggling in tough trading conditions, it could be the last straw. Earlier in the week we were buoyed by comments from the Government, Welsh Affairs Select Committee and Severn River Crossings PLC that tolls could be reduced when the debt is repaid and in public hands in 2017. Now we are left wondering if there will be a haulage industry left by 2017,” commented Ian Gallagher, FTA’s Policy Manager for Wales.
“This only confirms how wrong the formula used to calculate the tolls really is. How Severn River Crossing PLC (SRC) and Government can justify £11.50 for a van up to 3.5 tonnes and £17.20 for goods vehicles in excess of 3.5 tonnes beggars belief. Surely at the very least we should have seen a freeze in tolls until the outcome of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee and Welsh Assembly Government’s study are known,” added Gallagher.
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