Severn Crossing toll is a tax on Welsh business'
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CM COVER STORY christopher.wattonfarbi.co.uk AS A STUDY into the economic impact of the Severn Crossing toll is announced, one haulier has lambasted the £200.000 it pays every year to enter Wales as a "tax on Welsh business".
The study was confirmed in a letter to the Freight Transport Association (FTA) by Welsh Assembly government minister for economy and transport Ieuan Wyn Jones.
The FTA has campaigned to get the £16.40 charge per truck to cross the River Severn reduced and said the study needed to be conducted quickly or else risk the recovery of the region's economy FTA policy manager for Wales Ian Gallagher says: "These tolls cost some of our members tens of thousands of pounds every year, money that could be invested in staff training or greener fleets."
Ian Jarman, environmental and legislation manager at Owens Road Services, concurs. telling CM that the Llanelli-based firm pays £200.000 a year to cross the bridge. "We do in get any benefits for being a frequent user and, at £16.40 per HGV. it is one of the highest tolls in the country.
"In 2008, we accounted for 0.92% of all HGVs crossing the bridge, making us the largest user, and if that is not a tax on Welsh business, I don't know what is.
"We do not have any alternative but to pay the toll. This is one of the priorities for Welsh freight. Paying £16.40 for an artic lorry to cross a bridge anywhere in the UK is scandalous."
Jarman adds that a further meeting between the FTA and undersecretary of state for Wales is going to take place on 21 July The FTA has suggested an amendment in the current contract with the bridge's operator. Severn River Crossing, to allow for a lower tariff for night-time crossings by CVs.