The UK government will abolish tolls on the Severn Crossings by 31 December 2018.
Following the return of the Severn Crossings to public control on 8th January 2018, the tolls no longer included VAT, and so the rate of toll charges was reduced accordingly.
On the 8 January 2018 Highways England became responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Severn Crossings on the UK Government’s behalf.
What rates are currently being charged on the Crossings?
Following the bridges coming into public ownership on 8 January 2018, tolling was adjusted to remove VAT until tolling is abolished at the end of 2018.
Charges to be paid post 8 January 2018
| Vehicle Category | 2017 Toll (£) | Charge post 8 January 2018 |
Charge after 31 December 2018 |
| 1 (Cars and other vehicles up to 9 seats) | 6.70 | 5.60 | 0.00 |
| 2 (Goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, small buses) | 13.40 | 11.20 | 0.00 |
| 3 (Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, large buses) | 20.00 | 16.70 | 0.00 |
Why did you not stop tolling as soon as the Crossings returned to public ownership?
Over the year between the transfer to public ownership on 8th January 2018 and the abolition of tolling, sufficient revenue will be required to operate the crossing, remove all tolling equipment, and recover the costs that taxpayers historically incurred in the maintenance of these Bridges. Tolls will then be abolished at the end of 2018.
How much will motorists save once tolls are abolished?
It is estimated that regular users with a ‘Season Tag,’ costing just under £118 per month, will make savings of around £1,400 a year.
Why has Highways England taken over operations?
Highways England already looks after the strategic road network which supports over 4 million journeys per day. The M4 and M48 bridges are already a key part of network operations.
Sign up for email updates to make sure you don't miss any of our future posts.
Leave a comment