Severn
The Severn Bridge is one of two bridges connecting Wales to England. Credit: Adrian Pingstone.

The UK Government has abolished toll collection at both the Prince of Wales and original Severn Crossing.

The move means motorists can cross between south Wales and south-west England free of charge for the first time in 52 years.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “The end of the tolls is a major milestone for the economies of south Wales and southwest of England, and will remove historic barriers between communities.

“Scrapping the tolls means an end to generations of people paying to simply cross the border, and delivering this has been one of my key aims as Welsh Secretary.”

“Scrapping the tolls means an end to generations of people paying to simply cross the border.”

The abolition of tolls is expected to save regular commuters approximately £1400 per annum.

It is also estimated to provide an annual boost of more than £100m for the Welsh economy.

Businesses located between communities in west Wales and south-west England will also benefit by making it easier for consumers and employees to cross the border.

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “We made a commitment in the manifesto to deliver free crossings over the Severn and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

“This move will put £1,400 a year in the pockets of thousands of hard-working motorists and help transform the economy in the south-west and South Wales creating new opportunities and helping drive future growth.”

Tolls have been collected on the Severn Crossings since 1966.