THE Chancellor’s Budget announcement that the Severn River Crossing tolls are to continue once the concession ends has been described as a "kick in the teeth" for businesses by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The association says it is disappointed that the Government disregarded category three tolls for lorries, large buses and coaches.

Ian Gallagher, FTA head of policy South West and Wales said: “The Chancellor’s announcement is the first confirmation from UK Government that charging will continue after 2018 when the bridge comes into public ownership.

"Whilst the change to the tolls is seen good news for van and minibus operators, FTA considers it is a kick in the teeth for the logistics industry as a whole. There are three years of toll increases still to come. By 2018 we anticipate that the toll will be in excess of £20 for HGVs.”

The FTA has long campaigned for the tolls to be abolished and is now calling on Government to provide clear visibility of what it now intends to charge once the Severn Bridge comes into public ownership.

Mr Gallagher added: “FTA sees this as a bitter blow for businesses in the south west and Wales which have campaigned for an end to the tolls once the concession ceases. For too long freight operators have had to pay high charges to use the Severn Crossings, which are a vital artery between Wales and England. The money that business spend on paying these tolls could be better invested on driver training or on greener fleets.”