GWENT business leaders are campaigning to persuade the owners of the two Severn bridges to allow credit and debit card payments.

Members of Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce (NGB2B) are lobbying Severn River Crossing Plc to change their policies after the recent toll rises.

Car drivers now have to pay £5.10 to cross either bridge into Wales, one of the most expensive bridge tolls in the UK.

But the toll booths only accept payment by cash or cheque, and the Chamber said this causes "aggravation" for communters, with dozens being turned back each week and having to drive to find a cash machine.

A spokeswoman for NGB2B said: "At £5.10, the new toll charge for driving a car into Wales is too high for most drivers to settle with pocket change, and as cheque use has declined massively in recent years, the next logical step is to introduce credit and debit card payment systems."

Payment by credit and debit card is widespread at toll-bridges across Europe, and commuters using the M6 toll road and Forth Road Bridge, Scotland are already benefiting from the introduction of card payment facilities.

The spokeswoman added: "Commuters simply want to be able to use a payment method which is convenient, available and safe."

But Severn River Crossing plc say such a change would require new legislation, as they are governed by the Severn Bridges Act 1992 which does not allow credit or debit card payments.

Deputy general manager James Rawle said the company is "actively discussing" the matter with the Highways Agency.

NGB2B members are also writing to Gwent AMs and MPs to push for a change in the legislation.

They are asking for feedback from motorists who use the bridges. E-mail your views to: info@ngb2b.org.uk.