TRANSPORT minister Norman Baker has intervened to ensure motorists can make credit and debit card payments when crossing the Severn Bridges next month, when the Ryder Cup is staged, to avoid embarrassment if they are turned away because they don't have the ready cash.

He revealed he had already approached the Highways Agency, as Welsh secretary Cheryl Gillan told MPs that the Ryder Cup was a 'fantastic event' for Gwent and that they should encourage their golf-playing constituents to attend.

Welsh MPs voiced concern that frustrating delays in introducing technology to allow credit and debit cards to be used for toll payments could mar the event - and damage Wales.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden, who has long campaigned to end the ban on the use of card payments, raised the issue with the minister when Parliament reassembled after the summer break.

Mr Baker told her: "Discussions between the Highways Agency and the concessionaire, Severn Bridge Crossings Plc, to resolve the financial issues regarding the introduction of card payments are ongoing.

"The work to amend the tolling software to allow for the processing of credit and debit card payments has started and I have asked the Highways Agency to aim to have this in place in time for the Ryder Cup."

Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, said the inability of motorists to use their cards when crossing the bridges had been a 'nuisance' for years.

"If this does not happen in time for the Ryder Cup, it will be an immense embarrassment."