Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Jessica Walford

Good riddance! The last visual reminder of dreaded Severn tolls sent for scrap

It was a familiar sight greeting motorists entering Wales - small booths and barriers that slowed traffic to a standstill before you reached for your wallet to pay the Severn toll.

However, the last visual reminder of the unpopular charge - which blighted businesses, annoyed commuters and left tourists waiting - is now a thing of the past.

This weekend, Highways England removed the final remaining bits of toll booths on the Severn Crossings - which carry around 25 million motorists a year.

And unsurprisingly given the tolls unpopularity, it's unlikely they will end up as an unusual garden feature or drab museum exhibit - Highways England said they've not received any requests for them.

The first phase of the Severn Bridge toll booth removal in December (Rowan Griffiths)

The tolls - which cost as high as £6.70 for cars and £20 for lorries - were finally abolished last December .

Businesses had long campaigned for them to be scrapped saying they were a major barrier for trade.

Since the charge was axed, engineers and construction workers have been on site to change carriageway.

More than three months on, a 50mph limit remains in place.

It is hoped the usual 70mph limit will come into force in June.

The new Severn crossing speed cameras which could cost you a lot more than £5.60

The toll booths at the Prince of Wales / Severn bridge have been removed (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.