VAT CUT MUST BE PASSED ON TO SEVERN BRIDGE MOTORISTS - WILLIAMS

9.42.51am GMT Mon 5th Jan 2009

Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has called on Severn River Crossing PLC to pass on the recent cut in VAT to motorists.

Mr Williams said:

"The management of the Severn Crossing have a legal obligation to pass on the cut in VAT to motorists.

"The 2.5% cut equates to a 13pence cut in the cost of a crossing for the driver of a standard car.

"I appreciate that there may be difficulties in implementing the price changes at coin operated toll booths to accept the new cost and therefore I am proposing the toll booths are left open one day in every 47.

"This would be the equivalent of a 2.5% cut in VAT for those who use the bridge every day and would go some way towards assisting Severn River Crossing PLC in meeting their obligation to pass on the VAT cut.

"Today I have written to the Chief Executive of Severn River Crossing PLC with this suggestion.

"I have also written to Geoff Hoon MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Transport and to Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Transport in the Welsh Assembly Government, asking them to support this proposal."