Removal of fees follows years of pressure from FTA and is expected to deliver £1bn of economic benefit over the next decade.
The axing of the tolls at the Severn crossings between England and Wales this morning marks a historic moment for Anglo-Welsh logistics, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), as it joins its members in “celebrating this festive gift to the logistics industry after years of campaigning”.
The removal of the fees is expected to deliver £1 billion of economic benefit over the next decade, according to Alun Cairns MP, UK Secretary of State for Wales. Their removal follows years of pressure from FTA has been a long-term policy position for the freight association.
Sally Gilson, FTA’s head of policy for Wales, explained: “After so many years of campaigning to abolish the Severn Bridge tolls, FTA’s members thought this day would never come. The Severn bridge tolls have served as a consistent barrier to economic growth and an unfair burden to both employers and employees alike as they cross between England and Wales.
“Our members spend millions of pounds each year on the tolls, money that can now be reinvested to help grow business, develop skills and the purchasing of greener fleets.
“This has been such an important issue for FTA and its members. FTA and its members have been working with local MPs to raise the profile of this cause for many years and we are pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns made this a priority.”
This morning, FTA member Owens Group, a transport and warehousing company, was given the honour of becoming the first vehicle to cross the bridge toll-free. Ian Jarman, manager of the Owens Group, commented: “We have been campaigning with the FTA for many years to remove the tolls – they have always been a barrier to trade in Wales and South West of England. As a company, we intend to invest the savings into greener technologies.”
Source: Lloyd’s
