SEVERN Bridge tolls could be scrapped in 2019 if the Liberal Democrats win next year's General Election. The party announced on Monday (18th August) that it would scrap the tolls once the bridge is transferred to public ownership. This commitment will be outlined in the Liberal Democrats' manifesto to be published next month. The Severn Crossings are currently managed by a private concessionaire which will end when a revenue target collected from tolls is reached. Veronica German, the Welsh Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Monmouth, said: "These tolls are a genuine strain on local businesses in Monmouthshire. "By scrapping the tolls, the Liberal Democrats would be boosting the south Wales economy by around £107 million a year. "This will help re-balance the economy and drive growth in what is traditionally a deprived region. "In the forthcoming General Election, a vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to scrap these unfair tolls." Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "The Welsh Liberal Democrats are delighted that we have secured this commitment. "We are the only party that will completely scrap the unfair Severn Bridge tolls. "This announcement will offer a huge boost to the Welsh economy and save the average commuter around £1,536 a year. It will help to build a strong economy and a fairer society. "These tolls shouldn't be used as a money-maker by either the Welsh or UK Government. Tolls are extremely rare in the UK, so I see no reason why people should be forced to pay to enter Wales." According to the chair of the Freight Transport Association, Denise Lovering, the impact of the increasing toll prices have an enormous effect on businesses. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "The Department of Transport and the Highway Agency are currently responsible for both crossings, including the level of the tolls. "However, we have made it clear to the UK Government that we should have a say on the future of the tolls after the end of the current concession agreement with Severn River crossing PLC."