Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport what is the purpose of the £5 minimum charge for a car breakdown on the Severn Bridge; and what evidence she has regarding the extent to which the charge is achieving this objective.
§ Mr. SwinglerI would refer my hon. Friend to my replies to Questions from the hon. Member for Leominster (Sir Clive Bossom) on 19th April and 31st May.—[Vol. 745, c. 558; Vol. 747, c.15.]
Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport to what extent delays on the Severn Bridge during the Whitsun period were caused by the toll gates; and if she will consider the possibility of stopping the collection of the 2s. 6d. toll at bank holiday periods.
§ Mr. SwinglerTraffic delays were caused by a number of vehicle breakdowns on the bridge, not by the toll gates. The toll collection system is expected to be able to meet all demands of traffic using the bridge. We have therefore no plans to stop collection of tolls at bank holiday periods.