AT EVERY election promises are made to do something about tolls on the Severn bridges – promises that would be hard to keep because the fee structure is part of a commercial contract signed with the company that built the M4 Second Severn Crossing.

In very simple terms, Severn River Crossing plc constructed the bridge and took on the debt of the first crossing in return for just under £1 billion, which was to be paid back using the tolls.

Until then there is little anyone can do, but payback time is getting closer – perhaps as little as four years away.

Once the debt is paid off the government will be able to decide how much, if anything, to charge.

Early indications are that they may seek to recover a sum of about £88 million for urgent repairs.

However, there will then be the option of: a) Scrapping tolls and charging only the costs of maintenance (perhaps one-third of the current levels).

b) Charging maintenance plus extra for a fund to build a new bridge if one has to close.

c) Handing everything over to the Welsh Government.

It is also worth remembering that 20 per cent of the tolls are VAT, which would no longer be payable if the bridges were owned by a public body.

I believe the government should by now have published its plans.

The Welsh Affairs Committee, which I chair, has called on it to do so and this week we will be grilling the transport minister on the issue.

It is a crucial subject for all of us in South Wales and I can assure Argus readers that I will not rest until we have answers.

Following on from this (in all senses) is the ongoing problem of the road network in South Wales and the need for an M4 relief road.

The Brynglas Tunnels in Newport are already the scene of unacceptable levels of congestion, and if major works were ever needed on them the motorway would have to shut, with disastrous consequences for commuters.

The time has come for an urgent upgrade of the M4, or better still, a relief road.

A few weeks ago the UK government and Welsh Government were in discussions but things have now gone quiet.

I believe we should encourage both parties to come to a swift agreement and announce a way forward.