THE LIBERAL Democrat candidate for next month’s mayoral election has outlined plans to scrap tolls on the Severn Bridges should he get elected.

Former Bristol MP Stephen Williams has said that he intends to follow up on the promises made by former chancellor George Osborne once the M48 Severn Bridge and M4 Second Severn Crossing are handed over to public ownership in 2018.

The metro mayor election, which is taking place on May 4, will see the appointment of the very first West of England Combined Authority mayor, who will have powers devolved from central government over housing, roads and the economy.

Mr Williams said: “Put simply, a vote for the Liberal Democrats on May 4 is a vote to scrap these unfair tolls.

“The reduction in price is clearly an acknowledgment on behalf of the Tory government of the detrimental impact these tolls have on jobs and businesses across the region, and I very much welcome that. But these plans do not go far enough.

“The tolls are a genuine strain on businesses across the entire region, and they shouldn't be used as a money-maker. Scrapping the tolls would boost the region’s economic prospects and not cost much, as the only future costs would be due to maintenance.”