TOLL prices for drivers using the Severn Crossings will be slashed by 50 per cent or more when they return to public ownership - and night-time use could be free.

The price reduction proposal, announced by UK Government transport secretary Chris Grayling - would see the prices paid for all vehicles halved, making a significant difference to commuters, travellers, and small businesses in particular, with some drivers seeing savings of more than 75 per cent.

The lower toll charges would be introduced in 2018 when the crossings return to public ownership, in a move that will benefit motorists and help boost the economy.

Free night-time use is being considered from 10pm-6am, as a means of regulating the possible increase in use forecast as a result of the tolls reduction.

The Government is also looking at removing toll barriers and introducing free-flow tolling on the Severn Crossings to help cut congestion and journey times.

“The Government is determined to make the right decisions for Britain’s future and reducing the tolls on the Severn Crossings will cut costs for businesses helping boost jobs and trade in Wales and across the South West," said Mr Grayling.

“The future toll prices announced today will not only guarantee the future and safety of the crossings for generations to come but will also boost the economy whilst offering the best value for money for motorists and the taxpayer.”

Once the crossings return to public ownership they will be managed by Highways England.

Under the proposals: Cars will pay £3 instead of £6.70 – more than a 50 per cent saving.

Small buses or vans will also pay £3 instead of the current £13.40 – a saving of 75 per cent.

Lorries and coaches will pay £10 instead of £20 - a saving of 50 per cent.

Blue Badge holders and motorcycles will continue to be exempt from the tolls. The money raised will pay for the operation and maintenance of the crossings as well as future improvements.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: “This is excellent news for people living and working in Wales who use the Severn Bridge, particularly van drivers who will pay over 75% less money.

"These savings will make a huge difference to those who use the crossing regularly and it will provide a major boost to companies pitching for new business, who can now be much more competitive.

"The Severn Crossing is a vital artery into Wales and reduced tolls demonstrate once again that Wales remains open for business.”

The Government has also set out plans for these reductions to be applied to the rates paid by electronic TAG users, who are amongst the most regular users of the crossings. Under the proposals TAG Toll charges will also reduce: Cars will save £65.12 a month.

Small buses and vans will save £183 a month.

Lorries and coaches will save £198 a month.

The removal of toll barriers and the introduction of free-flow tolling on the Severn Crossings would also allow two-way charging which could mean the price charged for a single crossing will be halved.

5.53pm A PROPOSAL to cut the Severn bridges tolls by more than 50 per cent when they revert to public ownership is set to be announced tomorrow.

In a letter seen by the Argus, the Government has announced that, on Friday, January 13, it will publish its consultation on the future of the Severn Bridges in terms of potentially reducing toll charges.

In the letter, it is stated that once the bridges are owned by the public, proposals will see cars paying £3 to cross the River Severn.

The letter adds that the £3 charge will also be applicable to vans and small buses, while there will be a reduction for large vehicles.

As part of the consultation into the future of the bridges, the possibility of two way ‘free-flow’ charging for the two bridges, the letter states.

Last month, the Severn River Crossing PLC confirmed that toll prices on both bridges were to rise by an average of 1.3 per cent at the start of the new year.

Drivers of cars and motor caravans will pay £6.70, an increase of 10p from the current rate.

Small goods vehicles and small buses will have to pay £13.40 - up 20p - while the price for heavy goods vehicles and buses will also rise 20p from £19.80 to £20.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden feels that the outcome into the decision was long overdue.

She said; “At long last the Government are finally going to publish the consultation on the future operation of the Severn Bridges.

“With the end of the concession fast approaching it’s absolutely crucial that bridge users and businesses have a say.

“I would urge everyone to take this opportunity to put forward your views," she said.

Ms Morden added that she feels the Government will be in a position soon to return the bridges to public ownership, installing just tolls to cover the maintenance costs of the crossings.

As a longstanding campaigner for a reduction in toll charges, Ms Morden added that she has been informed that people have been forced to turn down work across the river due to the monetary cost of travelling over it.

“I have heard people tell me that they have had to decline work in Bristol, as when on the minimum wage, the cost of using the bridge is roughly the same as an hour’s pay,” she said.

“The Government has done well out of the two bridges and has recouped a lot of money out of taxes from them.”

A spokesman from the Department for Transport said that it is due to set out proposals for the future operations of the Severn Bridges on Friday, January 13.