Toll charges rise for Severn bridges (From Gazette Series)

Toll charges rise for Severn bridges

TOLL charges for drivers crossing both the old Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing have risen again.

The increases, which are in line with the Retail Price Index, mean car drivers paying an extra 10p to cross from England into Wales.

The new charges are: Category 1 ( cars and motor caravans) £4.60; Category 2 (small goods vehicles and small buses) £9.30 (currently £9); Category 3 (heavy goods vehicles and buses) £13.90 (currently £13.50).

Explaining the increases, Jim Clune, general manager for Severn River Crossing, said: "We amend the tolls at the start of each year in strict compliance with the Severn Bridges Act 1992 and upon an Order from the Secretary of State.

"The Act sets down the precise method of base prices for settling toll levels and the adjustment to next year's tolls is, like this year, in accordance with the RPI."

He said the new tolls were confirmed each year by a Parliamentary Order made in December, authorising the company to make adjustments.

The increases come as major resurfacing work and crash barrier replacement gets underway on sliproads at the M4/M5 Almondsbury interchange.

The work which will mean temporary speed limits and lane closures, is set to last for three months and is likely to cause serious delays at the already congested junction.