Scrapping tolls is a statement of intent

THE end is finally in sight for Severn crossing tolls as Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns confirmed the “one-year countdown” for their abolition.

Although, frustratingly, no official date has been set, it means the fees will be gone by the end of this year.

And their removal cannot come soon enough.

After years of increases despite strong and long-running campaigns, news last July of the tolls’ imminent demise was met with relief by motorists and businesses alike, as the crossings prepare to return to public ownership.

It is estimated the move will save the Welsh economy £100m a year, as well as leading to savings of hundreds of pounds for those car users who use the crossings on a regular basis.

There will, of course, be some negative consequences.

It is predicted that the move will lead to an increase in traffic on the already stretched M4, particularly around Newport, and house prices on the Welsh side of the Severn are likely to rise making them potentially less affordable for local people.

But this move nevertheless represents a historic moment.

Residents, commuters, businesses and tourists will enjoy the not inconsiderable relief when the tolls decrease on January 8 for the first time since 1966.

And yet it is vital that this great step forward in removing the tolls completely will not end there.

There is still much work to be done in how we deal with traffic volumes on the M4, and the expectation that this could now rise even further.

There is work to be done on how we support our businesses and strengthen relationships on both sides of the border.

And, on a day when we also report on damning statistics about our ageing train stock, and ahead of tomorrow’s protests against the latest rail fare increases, it is important that we continue to promote, encourage and improve the use of other modes of transport.

Mr Cairns said he wants to discuss how links between south-east Wales and south-west England can be strengthened before the tolls are removed at the end of the year.

It is hoped that this is successful, starting with the summit he is to hold later this month.

When the financial barrier of tolls finally go, it will leave a rich opportunity to be seized.

Welsh businesses can look to expand their reach to consumers across a large swathe of south-west England.

And it will doubtless lead to improved opportunities for tourism and leisure operators.

The campaigners for abolishing the tolls eventually won their fight, and the countdown to free crossings has begun.

For too long the tolls have been a drag on our economy.

It is important that the ending of the tolls is seen not just as a money-saving opportunity, but that it represents a major statement of intent: Wales is open for business. The countdown has begun. The opportunity is there for us all to grasp.