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'This is madness, but worse is to come'

30th April 1992, Page 62
30th April 1992
Page 62
Page 62, 30th April 1992 — 'This is madness, but worse is to come'
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

t was with disbelief that we in the haulage trade woke up to the fact that Severn Bridge tolls would be more than doubled from 27 April. The privatising of the bridge should have meant a fully operational bridge, with at worst a modest increase in charges. Instead the bridge is perpetually under repair and the price of crossing has shot up.

The new system means that we pay only when we drive into Wales, not when we drive out. Instead of paying £2 each way, the equivalent of £4 for a round trip, we will pay £8.40 when we go into Wales. This one-way pay system is an overdue common sense solution to at least part of the queuing problems on the bridge, and surely should provide the bridge with a significant reduction in operating costs. If it has, the motorist isn't going to see any of it.

With the economy in its present state any increase in costs is totally unacceptable. Welsh industry is being subjected to an extra tax for the privilege of being on the wrong side of the bridge. This is madness, but worse is to come. From January 1993 the new owners of the bridge will raise tolls further, probably 6% plus inflation, adding about 10% more to the toll.

The new crossing is scheduled for completion in four years and we can only conclude that we are being required to meet a substantial part of the construction cost in advance.

MONSTROUS

This is a monstrous situation which must be halted now. The M4 from junction 49 east to the Severn Bridge is in a perpetual state of chaos, particularly in the Briton Ferry/Port Talbot section, but at least we know that when the road works are finished it will immeasurably improve our travelling times and costs. However, there is no such prospect with the present and new Severn Bridge.

We are faced with an ever increasing burden which we will be unable to pass on to our customers at a time when most customers are looking for decreases in their haulage costs. The extra tax will inevitably force smaller operators out of business and put a substantial unrecoverable burden on those that are trying to survive.

I have no doubt that investors in Welsh industry will now have to adjust their figures to reflect this location tax, and marginal prospects will become nonviable.

All motoring businessmen must be sick to death that only a fraction of the road fund licences and fuel taxes is ploughed back into our road systems. The haulage industry remains the life blood of British industry through our ability to provide a cost-effective service. The Government has not grasped the significance of this — and until it does it will continue to strangle UK economic growth prospects.

On behalf of all haulage companies and motorists we implore the Welsh Office, all Welsh MPs, and the motoring organisations to put their full weight behind an effort to stop this punitive increase — the future of Welsh Industry demands immediate and positive action. I am not asking for devolution — yet — just a fair deal. y

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Organisations: Welsh Office

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