FTA back MP calls for Severn Toll ‘openness’

SevernToll

URGED: FTA make stance clear on tolls

Calls for increased Treasury ‘openness’ over the future of the Severn Toll have been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Newport East MP Jessica Morden has urged the government to offer more transparency in regards to what will happen to the tolls when the bridges revert to public ownership in 2018.

Leading the debate in House of Commons, the Labour MP called for ministers to say whether or not they will reduce the tolls or keep them in place.

“To ask users to continue to pay for infrastructure which has been paid for many times over is fundamentally wrong.”

Ian Gallagher, FTA

Ian Gallagher, FTA Head of Policy for Wales and 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.

“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.”

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