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The end of the Severn Tolls

The tolls across the two Severn bridges are abolished on 17 December. But how much difference will this make? Stephen Fairclough hears arguments for and against.

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 4 Nov 2018 18:30

More about the programme

The programme hears from a haulage firm within earshot of traffic on the second crossing which says it will save £100,000 a year.

Chepstow-based estate agent Peter Moon says a mid-range three-bed semi in the town was worth £160,000 before it was announced the tolls would go. The same property would now cost £250,000.

However, economist Prof Roger Vickerman says the wider benefits of the tolls going will be negligible on the south Wales economy.

Social entrepreneur Mark Hooper, founder of Indycube, says the tolls should stay to pay for more bus transport to ease congestion on the M4 around Newport instead of building the proposed M4 relief road. 

Former South Wales Chamber of Commerce president Liz Maher says the lifting of the tolls has to focus policy makers’ attention on the need to make a decision on the proposed relief road.

She favours the more expensive and controversial "black route" on the basis that the Welsh economy cannot afford for it not to go ahead.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 31 Oct 2018 18:30
  • Sun 4 Nov 2018 18:30

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