Severn Crossing tolls campaign FTA is urging both the Westminster and Welsh Governments to look again at reductions in Severn Crossing tolls in order to boost the economy in Wales. The high cost of tolls on the crossings is costing some businesses tens of thousands of pounds each year. Ministers have so far refused to consider a move such as freezing the tolls, in spite of the benefits this would have on the local economy. FTA has been active in highlighting this issue and, in particular, the impact on the South Wales economy. Read the FTA Westminster manifesto for Wales (2010). You can also read the FTA’s manifesto for the 2011 Welsh Assembly election here. At FTA’s insistence a study into the economic impact of the tolls was commissioned by the Welsh Government in 2010. This was due to report in September 2011 but has not yet been published. However, the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee did complete an inquiry which was very critical of the impact of the tolls and the management regime. FTA gave written and oral evidence to this inquiry, full details of the evidence and the report can be found here. The UK Government response to this inquiry may be found here. FTA has submitted a number of Parliamentary questions on this matter, especially at Westminster. The Association also meets regularly with a number of MPs and Assembly Members in Wales, as well as ministers in the UK and Welsh Governments to press the case for change, including: • David Jones MP (Conservative, minister in Wales Office) • Ieuan Wyn Jones AM (PC, then minister for Economy and Transport) • Eluned Parrott AM (Lib Dem, Transport spokeswoman) • Jessica Morden MP (Labour, Welsh Affairs Committee) • Nia Griffith MP (Labour, Welsh Affairs Committee) • Nick Smith MP (Labour – sponsor of Parliament Loves Logistics) • David Davies MP (Conservative, Chair of Welsh Affairs Committee and former haulier) • Stuart Andrew MP (Conservative, Welsh Affairs Committee) For further information please contact Ian Gallagher, [email protected]. .