Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much the Severn Bridges cost to run and maintain in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2012-13.

Under the terms of the Concession Agreement, Severn River Crossing Plc (SRC) is required to maintain and repair both Severn Crossings. This includes performing regular maintenance and inspections work and carrying out any necessary repairs. The accounts of Severn River Crossing Plc, show that the operating and maintenance costs were £13.1m in 2012 and £14.4m in 2013. Figures for 2014 are not yet available.

The risks for defects that existed prior to the concession were not transferred to SRC as this would have resulted in significantly higher tolls. This is because at the time of bidding, the risks could not be quantified, therefore, any costs associated with an unknown pre-existing defects fall to the government. The total costs of maintenance and repair work by the Highways Agency/Department of Transport on the two Severn bridge crossings in financial years.

a) 2013-14 £632,369.07

b) 2012-13 £512,172.70