Severn Bridge Tolls: pay by card "one step closer"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Mar 2010

Campaign to ditch the 'cash only' rule on toll payments. From left to right: Michael German AM, Ed Townsned Lib Dem MP candidiate for Newport East and Severnside

The campaign to get cards accepted to pay the Severn Bridges tolls took a step closer as it was announced that changes were being made to legislation that governs the Severn crossings.

Michael German, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly member said he was delighted that amendments to the Severn Bridges Act 1992 were being made in the UK Parliament and allowing cards to be accepted for payment on both bridges.

In a letter from the Minister of State for Transport in London, Sadiq Khan, to Mr. German, he says that "urging Severn River Crossing plc to work with the Highways Agency to introduce card payments as a matter of urgency to give motorists an increased choice of payment methods."

He said: "It's been a long time coming. At last during this year cards will be accepted for payment bring the bridges into the 21st century."

"I'll be urging the bridge operators to now quickly introduce payment by card facilities. The news that changes have been introduced in Parliament to enable cards to be taken for toll payments means there's no need for any delay. We need a date as soon as possible."

Mr. German has been along time campaigner on the issue. The campaign has seen groups being set-up on the social network site sensation Facebook with the backing of many local bridge users in South Wales and the Forest of Dean as well as local small businesses and bodies representing industry, business and commerce.

Ed Townsend, Lib Dem MP Candidate for Newport East and Severnside, who's been backing the campaign said he was pleased to see that the 'light is at the end of the tunnel' on this issue where pressure had been building for the last few years for the change.

Mr. Townsend said: "This year we'll see a change for the benefit of bridge users and residents in Newport and Severnside. We are the customers and there is now no excuse for any delay. I have many. Many constituents who have been frustrated with the 'cash only' rule which has always been seen as insult whilst having to endure the highest bridge tolls in the country."