Severn Bridge Tolls - too expensive?

Severn Bridge Tolls - too expensive?

Author
Discussion

Griffter

Original Poster:

3,981 posts

254 months

Tuesday 6th February 2007
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Sign here:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Severn-Bri

It might not help - but it can't hurt.

se9boy

91 posts

237 months

Tuesday 6th February 2007
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Apparently they are allowed to set the charge as they see fit under the 'Severn Bridges Act 1992'. Most other tolls are governed under a different set of rules - and therefore capped to more reasonable levels.

Sounds like they have a licence to do whatever they like.

wwesty

2,690 posts

237 months

Wednesday 7th February 2007
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Yep. As I recall, when the Second crossing was constructed the contract was drawn up that the construction consortium take on the maintenance of the first bridge as well as bulding the second and in return they can increase the tolls by a set amount each year, until 2010 I think - then the 2 bridges pass back to public ownership..........and at that point you can bet that the cost of the toll won't go down....

cen

593 posts

234 months

Thursday 8th February 2007
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What Charge :-) do they charge motorists for crossing? I just show a badge (blue one).

On a more serious note, it will always be an ambiguous argument. We have been paying these charges now since about 1963-66.

When consideration was given to the second crossing there were a number of options. One of which was a damm stype structure that would host a roadway on top and contain generators using the second fastest rising tide in the world, to provide the generating power. They reckon it would have produced enough energy to suppy South Wales and a fair amount of the South West.

Why was this option ignored?

Gezzmarrelda

802 posts

226 months

Thursday 8th February 2007
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cen said:
What Charge :-) do they charge motorists for crossing? I just show a badge (blue one).

On a more serious note, it will always be an ambiguous argument. We have been paying these charges now since about 1963-66.

When consideration was given to the second crossing there were a number of options. One of which was a damm stype structure that would host a roadway on top and contain generators using the second fastest rising tide in the world, to provide the generating power. They reckon it would have produced enough energy to suppy South Wales and a fair amount of the South West.

Why was this option ignored?

Because it followed some form of logic/common sence.

MooSchmoo

176 posts

237 months

Saturday 10th February 2007
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Gezzmarrelda said:
cen said:
What Charge :-) do they charge motorists for crossing? I just show a badge (blue one).

On a more serious note, it will always be an ambiguous argument. We have been paying these charges now since about 1963-66.

When consideration was given to the second crossing there were a number of options. One of which was a damm stype structure that would host a roadway on top and contain generators using the second fastest rising tide in the world, to provide the generating power. They reckon it would have produced enough energy to suppy South Wales and a fair amount of the South West.

Why was this option ignored?

Because it followed some form of logic/common sence.

Think it was something to do with the beardy bird watcher types claiming it would have a catastrophic effect on the local beaver population.

Think they're using the same argument to delay the M4 newport bypass across the old Llanwern site.

sorrento205

2,870 posts

235 months

Sunday 11th February 2007
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a little off topic, but what happens if you get to the bridge and have no money? do they turn you around? or write out an IOU?

f1fx

1,370 posts

209 months

Sunday 11th February 2007
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TURN AROUND !! and they make a spectacle of you too !! you have to follow a car with flashing lights, while they stop everyone coming out the tolls. and you know they all are saying .. TW*T

wwesty

2,690 posts

237 months

Monday 12th February 2007
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f1fx said:
TURN AROUND !! and they make a spectacle of you too !! you have to follow a car with flashing lights, while they stop everyone coming out the tolls. and you know they all are saying .. TW*T


....yep....you have to follow a van and are taken over the road bridge to the other carriageway and sent packin back to England!!!!

steff

1,420 posts

262 months

Monday 12th February 2007
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Has anyone done a runner from the tolls?

f1fx

1,370 posts

209 months

Monday 12th February 2007
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have thought about it ! some fake plates ! ect . and in the tiv they would not stand a chance !


also if you are towing .. the second car does not have to pay, so keep a tow bar in the car !
also bikes dont have to pay .. so i want to try towing a car with a bike .. see if that works, any one up for a bit of fun !

lol




Edited by f1fx on Monday 12th February 12:43

BigBob

1,471 posts

224 months

Sunday 25th February 2007
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Why is it the first sign that tells you there is a Toll to pay ahead is AFTER the alternative route via M5 north?

Why is it when you're driving down the M5 (south) heading for South Wales, the signs send you out of your way and onto the Severn Crossing?

The only reason I can think of is that a 'deal' was done to maximise the traffic over the Bridges and hence boost the profits of the bridge owners.



BB

Pilotguy

433 posts

258 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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Good result announced today then? The Severn Bridge tolls are being scrapped from the end of 2018 when the bridges come back into public ownership. Maintenance and running costs will come from general taxation. Will certainly tempt me to go across a bit more, perhaps consider using Cardiff Airport over Bristol. Good for the economy both sides of the river I would think.

94OD

1,071 posts

121 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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Certainly good news IMO. The M4 relief road at Newport would be the icing on the cake!

rene7

533 posts

82 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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They've been talking about Newport relief road for years - Believe It if/when it happens - at least 10years to go methinkssmile
I'll also believe the scrapping of the 7 bridge tolls only after they've happened.
Welsh Politicians are the worst in the world at implementing their plans, but the best in the world at talking about them, and more talking, and then some more talking - ought to scrap all AMs and Welsh assembly immediately its just a talking shop at our Great expense.

S47

1,325 posts

179 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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Rene7
thumbup +1 Well said smile
Newport relief road - More like 15 years I'd say

SAB888

3,230 posts

206 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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rene7 said:
Welsh Politicians are the worst in the world at implementing their plans, but the best in the world at talking about them, and more talking, and then some more talking - ought to scrap all AMs and Welsh assembly immediately its just a talking shop at our Great expense.
You've got that right! Never wanted them, don't want them, and would happily get rid of them.

RowntreesCabana

1,792 posts

253 months

Friday 21st July 2017
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Pilotguy said:
Good result announced today then? The Severn Bridge tolls are being scrapped from the end of 2018 when the bridges come back into public ownership. Maintenance and running costs will come from general taxation. Will certainly tempt me to go across a bit more, perhaps consider using Cardiff Airport over Bristol. Good for the economy both sides of the river I would think.
Not great news for me as my wife works there, also not great news for the other 200 people who'll also lose their jobs.

Its good news for commuters, but IMO the benefits will be short lived because motorway tolls will be in place soon. There's no way they'll just forget about the £10m+ in maintenance costs, what they give with one hand they'll take with the other.

Edit: I wouldn't get too excited, inside emails are already showing recruitment by the highways agency looking for people to manage the "free flow" system for the bridge. Free flow is a term used in the industry for automated charging, as already in place on the Dartford Tunnel. ANPR systems are already installed on the bridge.

As it happens, Highways England have a Programme Office Manager position available with this in the description
"The Government is also considering proposals to significantly lowering the existing toll tariffs to help boost the economy, alongside other measures to address the impact of future traffic growth demand such as the potential introduction of free-flow charging at the Crossings."

The tolls will go, to be replaced by a free flow system, with an ANPR system in place . Oh well.

Edited by RowntreesCabana on Saturday 22 July 00:17

Ken Figenus

5,678 posts

116 months

Friday 18th August 2017
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I have referred that to our MP as resuming tolling is another shoeing for Wales' economy and industry when they in fact say they are actually abolishing the tolls. They have always been at a staggeringly high level compared to Dartford/Humber - especially if you are in an HGV. Thanks for the heads up...

jmorgan

36,010 posts

283 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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