MONMOUTH MP David Davies has welcomed an announcement that tolls on the two Severn bridges will not be used to generate profit for the UK Government once they return to public ownership.

It is expected the bridges will transfer back to public ownership towards the end of 2017 or the start of 2018 and, at a recent meeting of the Welsh Affairs Committee, Conservative transport minister Andrew Jones said income from the tolls would not be used to boost Westminster coffers.

“There’s not a profit making exercise here,” he said.

“I’m looking to make sure we have a functioning, well maintained, critical pair of crossings which are fit for the future to fulfil their economic purpose, that are operated in a way which enables the maximum free flow of vehicles, with the least inconvenience.”

He added using income from the tolls “to fund a scheme in Kent or a scheme somewhere else” would be “not right at all”.

Monmouth MP David Davies, who has long campaigned for tolls on the bridges to be cut to ease the financial burden on his constituents, many of whom use the bridges twice a day, welcomed his words.

“I have been following this issue for the last 11 years and as far as I’m aware, today is the first time I have heard a government minister admit that the Severn bridges can’t be used as a profit making venture for the treasury,” he said.

“It’s a hugely significant step forward because currently the bridges generate more than £90m a year in revenue but only cost around £14m to maintain.

“That means that once the outstanding debts have been recovered, if what the minister is saying is accurate and adhered to, we should be able to see the tolls come down by much more than is currently being offered.”

Mr Jones also said the possibility of introducing free-flow technology on the bridges so vehicles no longer have to stop at toll booths was being considered, but there was no intention of handing the crossings over to the Welsh Government.

In March’s budget Chancellor George Osborne announced the tolls would be halved from 2018.

Currently tolls stand at £6.60 for cars, £13.20 for most vans and £19.80 for buses and lorries.