FTA: ‘Cut Severn tolls, save Welsh hauliers’
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THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT Association (FTA) has said cutting the tolls on the Severn Crossings is the only way to sustain a haulage business in Wales.
Following a report on the impact the tolls have on the Welsh economy, the FTA is optimistic that there will be a reduction in charges from 2018 – which is when the contract for the private company that runs the crossings is set to end. The toll currently stands at £18.10 for LGVs.
FTA policy chief for Wales Ian Gallagher said: “I would urge the Welsh and UK governments to fully understand what this report clearly shows, and what the logistics sector has argued for some time – a reduction in tolls post 2018 is the only option.” The Welsh government is calling for the current arrangement, which will see the UK government gain control of the crossings after 2018, to be reconsidered.
Ian Jarman, the environmental and legislation manager at Llanelli-based Owens, said: “If the reduction takes place, then the Welsh government must look at ways of easing congestion.” The independent report commissioned by the Welsh government revealed that completely removing the tolls, and the delay from collecting them, would see a 12% increase in traffic on both Severn crossings, approximately 11,000 vehicles a day. This would include a 10% increase in LGV usage.