Bridge tolls campaign being 'held up by red tape' (From Free Press Series)

Bridge tolls campaign being 'held up by red tape'

THE rapidly-growing campaign to ditch cash-only toll payments on the Severn Bridges is being "obstructed by Government Agency red tape", claims the organisers of the campaign.

The campaigners are pushing the Bridge Toll Company to accept cards as well as cash on the bridge, and make it easier for road users coming into Wales.

Campaigners have been trying to get information form the UK Government's Highways Agency about regular meetings that take place between the Government and the bridge operators.

However, in a request for information, Michael German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and local Assembly Member, has been refused the information, with the Highway Agency invoking the Freedom of Information Act.

Mr. German has been told that although a British parliamentarian, he will have to make an application through the Freedom of Information Act, which he says "will now take some time to get the information that should be freely available."

The Facebook campaign say that the minutes of these meeting will reveal the extent of the discussions that has taken place to introduce toll payments by card.

Speaking today, Phil Hobson, a local councillor in Chepstow, said, "We have obtained a summary of meetings that have taken place that indicate the bridge operators and the UK government seriously considered introducing card payments in 2005. Nothing has happened since."

"We are being blocked by Government red-tape. The company has now admitted that they would be happy to take toll payments by card. We want them to make a quantum leap and accept payment by all electronic methods."

Mr. Hobson cited the reason news that Taunton Deane Council is to introduce payment by mobile phone for car parking charges in the borough. Mr. Hobson added, "The cost of introduction was only £10,000. The bridge operators collect £17million in tolls a year. If they were to move with the times they would be saving a huge amount of money with the collection, counting and banking costs of all that cash."