The annual increase in the tolls on the Severn bridges should be frozen for the next year says a leading member of the National Assembly in order to "help Wales out of the recession".

Welsh Liberal Democrat Michael German is campaigning for a freeze in the tolls following a UK Government decision not to allow any tolls increases on the Humber Bridge in Yorkshire until 2011.

"What is good enough for Yorkshire is good enough for Wales. Welsh residents pay the highest tolls on any bridge in the country and it's a burden that is a barrier to business in Wales," he said.

"Freezing the tolls for a year will help Welsh businesses and bring a little relief to regular bridge users and commuters", said Mr German.