Christmas gift for motorists as Severn bridge tolls lifted early

 Tolls on the two Severn crossings will be scrapped a week before Christmas Eve, the Welsh Secretary has announced.

Charges on the bridges were scheduled to be abolished by Dec 31, but Alun Cairns confirmed they will now be lifted on Dec 17.

The tolls, currently £5.60 for cars, have been in place since the original Severn bridge was opened in 1966.

Mr Cairns said: “Scrapping tolls before the festive period is an early Christmas present for hard-working commuters, who will be £1,400 per year better off.

“This decision will not only bring our nations together, but it will immediately boost the economy of South Wales by £100 million a year.

“And it sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists alike that South Wales and the West of England – this Great Western Gateway, this Severnside Super Region, this global hub – are truly open for business.”