A ROAD haulage association has demanded that next year’s Severn Bridge tolls are frozen.

The Freight Transport Association told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee some of its members spend thousands of pounds of tolls each month.

It made the comments in a submission to the House of Parliament committee’s inquiry into the future of the bridge.

“It is absolutely ludicrous that businesses still trying to recover from the worst recession in recent history are being held to ransom by gratuitous and cynical price hikes across what is an essential trade corridor connecting England with South Wales,” said Ian Gallagher, FTA policy manager for Wales and the South West.

He said a reduced rate for off-peak travel for commercial vehicles could help reduce carbon emissions and congestion, as well as cost, and should be considered in 2017 when the bridge is expected to go back to public ownership.

“Companies doing business between England and South Wales are effectively being taxed for the privilege,” Mr Gallagher added.

“This simply has to stop or else we risk the recovery of the Welsh economy as a whole.”

A UK-wide tolls policy would also remove the disparity that exists between tolls on the Severn Bridges and bridges elsewhere in Britain, he said, with the Severn Bridge tolls being amongst the highest in Britain.

The WASC inquiry is investigating the impact of tolls on the welsh economy, as well as toll prices, methods of pavement, maintenance and the future of the bridges.

It is expected to begin taking evidence in October.