Lib Dems will scrap "extremely rare" tolls on the Severn Bridge to boost growth

The Liberal Democrats will scrap tolls on the Severn Bridge when the private concession ends in 2018 if they are in Government after the General Election.

The party said that tolls are "extremely rare" in the UK and the Severn Bridge charges are the most expensive in the country at £6.40 for a car, £12.80 for a van and £19.20 for a lorry. Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Lib Dems, said: "These tolls shouldn't be used as a money-maker by either the Welsh or UK Government.

"This announcement will offer a huge boost to the Welsh economy and save the average commuter around £1,536 a year." The commitment is to be included in the national party's manifesto in order to help re-balance the economy and drive growth.

A Welsh Government spokesperson was quoted as saying that it wanted a say on the future of the tolls, whilst the DfT said that any future arrangements for tolls would "need to make proper provision for repayment of Government costs, future maintenance and reflect the needs of road users".