§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in order to ensure a freer flow of traffic on the Severn bridge, he will make it his policy to forgo the collection of tolls.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNo. Toll collection at estuarial crossings does not by itself restrict the flow of traffic, provided the number of toll booths is adequate.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will investigate the causes of recent delays and hold-ups on the Severn bridge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyDelays to traffic using the Severn crossing and their causes are monitored continuously. The following table summarises the position for the three-month period ending 8 December.
601W
Cause Numer of occasions Vehicle breakdown 55 Vehicle accident 16 High winds 7 Maintenance work 2
§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the tolls on the Severn bridge following the decision of the House of Lords.
§ Mr. MooreThe Appeals Committee of the House of Lords has refused leave to Gwent county council and other local authorities to appeal to the House of Lords against the decision given by the Court of Appeal on 31 October concerning the Severn Bridge Tolls Order 1985. The Appeals Committee's decision removes any doubt about the vires of that order. The higher tolls it prescribes will be reintroduced on Sunday 4 January.