HC Deb 11 January 2002 vol 377 cc1055-6W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much has been received in tolls on the Second Severn Crossing in each year of its existence. [26064]

Mr. Jamieson

The Second Severn Crossing opened in 1996. However, the concession for the crossing was granted in 1992, at which time the Concessionaire (Severn River Crossing plc) were able to use revenue from the existing crossing to partly finance the construction of the new crossing.

Listed is the toll revenue received since 1992. Up to 1996 the figure is for the first Crossing only, after that date the figure is for the two bridges combined. Separate figures for the two bridges is not immediately available.

£
1992 21,990,895
1993 34,365,696
1994 39,196,924
1995 43,773,796
1996 47,154,568
1997 51,112,112
1998 55,240,910
1999 59,831,779
2000 60,995,760

The final figure for toll revenue for 2001 is not currently available.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which major(a)bridge, (b) tunnel and c)trunk road tolls (i) can and (ii) cannot be paid by credit or debit card. [26079]

Mr. Jamieson

Of the major tolled bridges and tunnels (there are currently no major tolled trunk roads open) only the Tyne Tunnel accepts payment by credit or debit card. All of the undertakings (Dartford Crossings, Humber Bridge, Mersey Tunnels, Severn Crossings, Tamar Bridge and Tyne Tunnel) have a system for pre-payment for which payment by credit or debit card is available.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what provision exists for tolls for the Second Severn Crossing to be paid in euro. [26078]

Mr. Jamieson

The Concessionaire (Severn River Crossing plc) is already prepared to accept payment for tolls in euros.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to allow drivers on the Severn Crossing to pay tolls with credit and debit cards. [26066]

Mr. Jamieson

There are no plans at present to allow credit card payments due to the fact that finance companies levy about a 3 per cent. surcharge for such transactions. Neither the Concessionaire (Severn River Crossing plc) nor the Government are currently prepared to fund this surcharge. However, the Concessionaire and the Government will continue to review this position.