A CALDICOT businessman said the increase in Severn bridge tolls next year would force him to look at the possibility of moving his firm to England.

Terry Hicks, managing director of plant and timber hauliers Hicks Logis-tics, said the increase in tolls was an annual remin-der of the unjust system.

The tolls for vehicles crossing the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing will rise from the start of next year.

The price for cars and motor caravans will increase to 4.80, up 20p, while small goods vehicles and small buses will face a rise of 30p to 9.60.

The HGV and bus rate will increase from 13.90 to 14.30.

Severn Rivers Crossing manager Jim Clune said the price rises were calculated in accordance with the Retail Price Index which measures annual inflation.

Mr Hicks, who employs 45 people, said: "We are almost being penalised for being located in South East Wales.

"It reinforces us looking at the possibility of moving across the water. Every year it does this it is just so unjust."

He said the toll costs for the company were about 3,500 a month but the increase could push up to about 4,000.

He said: "It is very difficult not to use the bridge. They have got you over a barrel and they know that."

Councillor Armand Watts, member for Thornwell ward on Monmouthshire county council, said: "There is no justification for increasing the tolls. If anything, there should be a reduction for regular users of the bridges, of which there are many.