Prices have dropped on the Severn Crossings today as the bridges entered back into public ownership.

VAT was removed from the toll price tag as the crossings came under the responsibility of Highways England this morning, meaning HGVs will now pay £16.70 instead of £20.

The cost for a van to cross has fallen from £13.40 to £11.20.

Trade associations welcomed the reduction, but continued to push for the tolls to be removed altogether, as promised by the government last year.

Ian Gallagher, FTA policy manager for Wales and the South West, said that the removal of the VAT would actually have little impact on local businesses because they are able to reclaim the sum.

He called for the government to set a date for the removal of the tolls, which would give transport businesses a “welcome boost”.

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Gallagher added: “The intended removal of all charges on the bridges by the end of this year is a welcome boost to logistics businesses in both the South West and South Wales already facing serious financial pressures.

“With the uncertainty of Brexit looming, anything which can help to boost business revenues is great news to keep economies on both sides of the Severn estuary trading effectively.”

However, the RHA said if Highways England is unprepared for the sudden increase in traffic volumes, any cost savings will be “in vain”.

Chief executive Richard Burnett said: “The eventual removal of tolls will be a tremendous boost to the local businesses and haulage firms who rely these major routes.

“However, the inevitable increase in traffic will put a big strain on the current infrastructure. Hauliers and businesses need strong reassurance that, as the deadline for the end of tolls approaches, the necessary steps needed to maintain smooth traffic flow are put in place as a matter of urgency.

“If the roads can’t cope then any potential savings will be in vain.”

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