TOLL prices to use the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing will rise in the New Year.

Severn River Crossing PLC announced yesterday (Friday) that the average increase for motorists will be 1.3 per cent from January 1, 2017.

Drivers of cars and motor caravans will pay £6.70, an increase of 10p from the current rate.

Small goods vehicles and small buses will have to pay £13.40 - up 20p - while the price for heavy goods vehicles and buses will also rise 20p from £19.80 to £20.

Phil Smith, chief executive officer at Severn River Crossing, said: art of each year in accordance with the Severn Bridges Act 1992.

"They are agreed with the Department for Transport and confirmed by a Parliamentary Order made by the Secretary of State for Transport during the prior December."

According to Newport East MP Jessica Morden, the cost of travelling across the bridge is taking an hours pay every day from commuters.

Ms Morden said: "For many of my constituents on the Tories’ minimum wage, the cost of travelling across the bridge is now almost equivalent to an hour’s pay, and is actually above it for people under 21.

Last month, members of the Assembly crossed party lines to unanimously call for the tolls to be scrapped once they pass back into public ownership.

Earlier this year then-chancellor George Osborne announced the tolls would be halved from April 2017 - but many, including Ms Morden, have argued this does not go far enough.

“The Government have still given no indication of what their plans are for when the bridge comes back into public ownership," said Ms Morden.

"All we know is that the Government have announced that the tolls will come down next year when the contract comes to an end, but there is still no sign of the public consultation that was promised.

She added: "It is vital that the public and those who work on the bridges can have their say.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The government has announced its intention to halve the tolls on the River Severn Crossings.

"We will launch a consultation on the Severn Bridge and
confirm further details in due course.”