Tories axe Severn Bridge tolls two weeks early on December 17

The Severn Bridge tolls will be axed two weeks early in time for Christmas, the Welsh Secretary revealed today.

The long-awaited reform to the two motorway links between England and Wales will save commuters £1,400 a year.

Businesses spend more than £500,000 if they regularly drive trucks back and forth across the River Severn. Tolls have been in place for 50 years. 

Alun Cairns revealed the accelerated plan during a panel event at the Tory conference in Birmingham today to promote the Union.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley used the session to demand Stormont Assembly gets back to work – with DUP leader Arlene Foster watching on in the Symphony Hall. 

Speaking at the Tory conference in Birmingham today, Mr Cairns, said: ‘My number one aim when I became Secretary of State for Wales, was to do away with tolling that for half a century has restricted and distorted the growth and connections of the Welsh economy.

‘Wales will be more open for business than ever after the Conservatives deliver on this commitment. Scrapping tolls before the festive period is an early Christmas present for hard working commuters who will be £1,400 per year better off.’  

Prime Minister Theresa May added: ‘Toll free, free flow journeys between both communities will drive further economic benefits to all areas surrounding the crossings and the key economic centres in Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, Newport and across to Swansea and West Wales.

‘By removing a major added cost of doing business between Wales and England, the Conservatives continue to deliver on improving the economic prospects of working people.

‘With this major step we are encouraging a close bond between two nations as part of the United Kingdom, whilst driving economic growth right across the country.’

Ms Bradley insisted Northern Ireland was thriving but needed its elected officials to end a two-year stand off.

She said: ‘It’s a source of immense frustration that in this 20th anniversary year of the historic Belfast Agreement there is no government at Stormont.

‘That’s why my absolute priority is getting Stormont back to work … and last month I announced a plan to help get us there.

‘What was achieved 20 years ago was of such magnitude that we owe this and to future generations to make it work.’