AM RAISES CONCERNS OVER SEVERN BRIDGE TOLLS

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has this week highlighted concerns over the cost of tolls on the Severn Bridge crossing, which are due to increase again in January.

Several constituents have contacted Mr Ramsay, some spending around £1400 a year to travel to work in Bristol.

In a letter to the Welsh Assembly Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Nick expressed his concern that further rises would be a severe blow for Monmouthshire commuters, as well as the Welsh economy.

Speaking today Nick said: "With the cost of the tolls rising annually, having sufficient cash available is only likely to become more of an issue in the future.

"A car driver crossing the Severn Bridge will soon have to folk out £5.50, which is concerning, particularly as we are all tightening the purse strings in the current economic climate.

"I am also concerned for local businesses and the affect price rises are having on the local economy. I have made this point to the Welsh Assembly Government.

"On a related issue, I have also made enquiries into the possibility of introducing the use of credit and debit cards to pay tolls on the Severn Bridge. The current situation whereby you can only pay in cash is frankly ridiculous."