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Severn Bridge tolls "too high"
Page 18
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South Wales hauliers are furious over the latest price hike for crossing the Severn. Guy Sheppard reports.
A 3% RISE in tolls on the Severn River Crossing has infuriated hauliers from South Wales who say that the existing charges are already too high.
Llanelli-based Owens Road Services says that the rise will add around £30,000 a year to its running costs and will be extremely difficult to recoup from customers. General manager Duncan Kiley says:"It is another cost we have no control over such as insurance and fuel.We will find great difficulty in clawing back such an increase." Owens makes 400 HGV crossings every week. The increase, which is set to be imposed from January, raises the charge from £13.50 to £13.90 for HGVs and £9.00 to £9.30 for light goods vehicles.
A spokesman for the crossing operator says that all its toll increases have to comply with Government legislation and are linked to the retail price index. However, Mike Farmer. Midlands and Western regional director of the Road Haulage Association, describes the new HGV charge as staggering. -Once again, the absolute level of the toll will do little to stop lorries entering Wales using other less suitable routes rather than staying on the motorway."
But Mike Butrimas, managing director of Port Talbot-based MB Transport, says he has no choice but to use the crossing. "Going via Gloucester adds 40 to 50 minutes to the journey, so you have no alternative."
Geraint Davies, who manages Bridgend-based John Raymond Transport's 100-strong HGV fleet, comments: "Prices are already too high."