A SYSTEM for drivers to pay Severn bridge tolls by debit or credit card will be in place by the Ryder Cup, it was announced yesterday.

David Davies, Monmouth MP and chairman of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, said the system will be a temporary measure during the Ryder Cup, which starts at Newport's Celtic Manor in three weeks time.

Mr Davies and other committee members visited the Severn bridges yesterday to meet with the private company which operates them, Severn River Crossings plc, and launch an inquiry into using card payment in the future.

Mr Davies said the system would not be perfect.

He said it is still undecided as to whether the system will continue after the Ryder Cup but believes it should.

The committee also discussed when the bridge would be handed back to the Government and Mr Davies said he expects this to happen around 2016.

Mr Davies said he was pleased how the visit went and said it was a good start to the inquiry. The committee will now take evidence from other parties before issuing a report.

Newport East AM John Griffiths said it was a big step forward and shows Newport is ready to welcome tourists for the Ryder Cup.