THE SECRETARY of State for Transport visited Chepstow last Thursday (21st April) to highlight action needed on transport issues in Wales.

Patrick McLoughlin MP and Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, joined members of the Welsh Conservatives to launch an Advan to celebrate the Chancellor’s budget announcement that toll charges on the Severn crossings will be halved by 2018.

The current £6.60 toll for cars is now expected to fall to around £3.30, subject to inflation.

The visit comes in the wake of the Welsh Conservatives’ manifesto launch last Monday (18th May) which sets out a series of commitments to re-prioritise transport spending in Wales.

The manifesto details a commitment to support the removal of toll plazas on the Severn Bridge crossings, as well as a pledge to work with the UK Government to improve cross-border connectivity.

Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Welsh Conservatives played a central role in championing the need for action on the Severn Bridge tolls. This is a clear example of Conservatives working together either side of the M4 to deliver for Wales. 

"With Andrew RT Davies and the Welsh Conservatives, real change can be secured for the Welsh economy. Halving the tolls will help deliver that change, stimulating growth and highlighting how Wales is open for business. 

"We will continue to work closely with Welsh Conservatives on the long-term future of the bridges, and tackling congestion at toll plaza." 

Welsh Conservative AM candidate for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, said: "Having long campaigned for a reduction of the Severn Bridge tolls, the recent announcement of them being halved is a clear example of the Conservatives securing real change for Wales.

"The tolls have acted as a barrier to economic growth and investment into the south east of Wales, and this Conservative-driven action is fantastic news for commuters, hauliers, businesses and local communities, including the people of Monmouth.”