Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they have reduced the tolls on the Severn Bridge without making a similar beneficial economic signal to the competing rail line and services.

The Government has a longstanding policy that drivers using major river crossings should pay for their provision and upkeep. The proposed reduction in the toll on the Severn Crossings simply reflects that once the consortium that constructed the Second Severn Crossing have recouped their investment under the Concession, the subsequent return to public ownership will enable the Government to reduce the charges, and users will therefore benefit from lower prices. The Government is currently investing a record £40 billion in railways, which needs funding through a combination of taxpayer and farepayers contributions.