IRRV Alert - week ending 5th March 2010

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New measures to allow motorists using the Severn Crossings to pay tolls by credit or debit card

 

 

 

 

New measures to allow motorists using the Severn Crossings to pay tolls by credit or debit card have been laid before Parliament by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan.

Currently the legislation only permits cash or prepaid electronic payments on the two road bridges spanning the River Severn between England and Wales.

The regulations are expected to come into force on 19 March. The Highways Agency and the concessionaire, Severn River Crossing Plc, will then be able to work to introduce a card payments system.

Sadiq Khan said:
"The Severn River Crossings are vital transport links between England and Wales which make invaluable contribution to business and the economy as well as helping to keep friends and family connected.

"Crossing users have made clear they want the convenience of making card payments and we have listened. The new regulations will come into force next month and I am urging Severn River Crossing Plc to work with the Highways Agency to introduce card payments as a matter of urgency to give motorists increased choice of payment methods."

The regulations are expected to come into force on 19 March, 21 days after being laid.

Notes to editors

    1. At present the Severn Bridge Regulations 1996 stipulates that all payments at the Severn Bridge tolls shall be paid in cash or by prepaid electronic payments (TAG).
    2. Amended regulations have been laid in Parliament by DfT to allow card payments to be used. The regulations are due to come into force next month. The regulations can be viewed on the OPSI website at www.opsi.gov.uk
    3. The Highways Agency and concessionaire, Severn River Crossing Plc are working together to enable card payments on the Crossings.
    4. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. The Agency manages, maintains and improves England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
    5. The M48 Severn Bridge was replaced as the main route for traffic travelling to and from South Wales in 1996 when the M4 Second Severn Crossing opened. The M48 Severn Bridge was opened by HM The Queen on 8 September 1966, and replaced the ferry service between Aust Cliff and Beachley. The bridge cost £8m to build, and is estimated to have carried over 300,000,000 vehicles since opening in 1966. The River Severn is 1 mile wide at high tide at this point. The main bridge span is 988 metres. The towers are 136 metres high.

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