CAR drivers will pay an extra 20p to use the Severn Crossings from January, it has been announced.

But the move has been described as a "massive body blow" by industry figures after their calls for a toll freeze were ignored.

Car drivers will pay £5.70 from the start of next year.

Category two vehicles, which include small vans, will see an increase of 60p and their drivers will pay £11.50, while category three vehicles, which include HGV drivers, will pay an increase of 80p with the toll rising to £17.20.

The announcement was made by UK Transport Minister Mike Penning last week to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee.

But Ian Gallagher, the Freight Transport Association's policy manager for Wales, said the decision was "irresponsible" and that it could be the last straw for many companies already struggling in tough trading conditions.

He said: "Mike Penning's announcement has come as a massive body blow to the industry which will be felt across Wales and the south west of England."

The association said there have been genuine fears that the increase could force companies to consider redundancies and even insolvencies.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden said it was "deeply disappointing" that the call for a freeze on the Severn tolls has gone unheeded.

She said the minister must be more robust in negotiating with Severn River Crossings - the current operators of the bridges.

William Graham, Assembly Member for South Wales East, said the future costs for crossing the bridges is needed so further economic investment can be attracted to the area.