A PETITION asking Prime Minister David Cameron to scrap or significantly reduce the cost of the Severn Bridge tolls has received thousands of signatures.

The online petition was started by Chepstow-based Steven Holloway at the weekend and had nearly reached its target of 5,000 signatures as the Argus went to print earlier tonight.

At the moment, a small car or van pays £6.50 to come back in to Wales, while bigger vehicles such as small buses pay £13.10. A large vehicle, such as a lorry, pays £19.60 to cross the bridge.

Motorbikes and disabled badge holders are exempt from the charges.

A statement on the petition’s website read: “The Severn Crossings are a lifeline for some so they can get to work in Bristol and surrounding areas... fuel costs are bad enough without the added worry of bridge tolls, £6.50 a day per car, £13.10 per day per vans up to 3,500kg, and £19.60 per day for buses and goods vehicles.

“This is a big deduction out of our salaries and we feel it should be made free or a small £1 toll for people living in South Wales and the surrounding post codes who need to commute to England.

“It has also cost a lot of jobs in South Wales due to businesses leaving the area thanks to heavy toll charges.”

Several disgruntled commuters also voiced their discontent at the current arrangements.

Vie McClernon, from Newport, said: “I am unable to work [due] to illness and cannot afford to pay the toll price each time I visit my family in England.”

Alex Ward said: “I travel from Newcastle to my job in the forces as if fuel isn't enough I encounter this toll bridge which isn't exactly fair! Newcastle to Chepstow 300 miles plus a 6.50 toll, no thanks.”

Dakeney Fox added: “I live in Chepstow and I think the bridge toll actually discourages people from coming to Wales because it's so expensive. Likewise it makes Bristol inaccessible for work.”

Newport-based Julie Brown said: “People who live in Wales shouldn't be penalised when they go outside Wales and have to pay such a large fee to return.”

Mr Holloway intends to address the petition to Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin and members of the Highways Agency.

The petition can be signed at https://www.change.org/p/david-cameron-mp-severn-river-crossing-plc-free-or-reduced-tolls-for-south-wales-and-neighbouring-postcodes-residents/u/11543540?recruiter=350308732&utm_source=share_update&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive&rp_sharecordion_checklist=control