A Labour council is consulting on proposals to get motorists out of their cars by reinstating the tolls on both Severn bridges into Wales.
On page 42 of the ‘Our Local Transport Plan 2024—2029’ document, the Labour-run Monmouthshire County Council has outlined its plans to reinstate tolls, in a bid to 'reduce journeys to/from Bristol by private car and subsequently would reduce traffic on the M4 and M48'.
The council recognises the plans ‘would involve multi-agency approval’ and would have ‘high infrastructure costs’. The tolls were axed by the Conservative UK Government in 2018 because they were seen as a barrier to investment in South Wales.
The council’s draft local transport plan is being consulted upon until 5 January 2024 and includes other proposals to deliver ‘modal shift’, including charging employers who provide private parking spaces for their staff £500 per employee.
At their height, tolls for the three different categories of vehicle were £6.70 for cars, £13.40 for minibuses and small lorries and £20.00 for vehicles over 3,500kg.
Labour plans to reinstate the tolls have been condemned by local Conservative MP David Davies and Conservative councillors.
“First Labour axed all new roads from being built ever again, then they outlined plans to charge us to use the M4 and now they want to bring back tolls for anyone using the Severn bridges," said Monmouth MP Mr Davies.
“Bringing back the tolls will hit constituents in the pocket at a time when Labour also plan to hike their council tax by up to 16 per cent.
“The move is disastrous because it will damage local businesses, leave people out of pocket and deter tourists from coming to Monmouthshire.
“For the sake of Monmouthshire's future, Labour must quickly abandon this plan , which is part of a prolonged assault on drivers.”
Conservative group leader Cllr Richard Joh said: “Reinstating tolls on the Severn bridges would be financially damaging for so many families in southern Monmouthshire who commute across the border for work or leisure.
“It is madness that Labour should want to create new barriers to businesses setting up and investing in Wales at a time when the Welsh economy continues to underperform the rest of the UK.
“Instead of forcing motorists out of their cars, the council should be working with the Welsh Government to make public transport a more attractive alternative, yet we know they’re doing the opposite and actually consulting on cutting local bus routes.
“Labour’s plan to reinstate the Severn tolls would be yet another tax on hard-pressed residents and businesses – they need to abandon it immediately.”