MP for Islwyn, Chris Evans, has branded the recent rise of the Severn Bridge toll a barrier to business and tourism.

In a recent Welsh Question Mr Evans asked Welsh Secretary, Stephen Crabb, to meet with the Chancellor urgently to get VAT off the toll.

The Severn Bridge toll has now risen to £6.50 for cars, £13.10 for small goods vehicles and £19.20 for heavy good vehicles.

He explained that this most recent rise is on top of past yearly rises which have risen the toll by over 83 per cent for goods vehicles since 2010, adding "these consistent above inflation rises have had a serious impact on the growth potential of South Wales".

Mr Evans said: "The Severn Bridge now has the dubious honour of being the most expensive toll road per mile anywhere in the world. It has quite simply become too expensive."

He said that businesses are being forced to accept significantly higher costs because of this and tourists are put off from coming to South Wales, while it is increasingly difficult for people to visit their friends and families.

"This has gone on far too long," he said.

"It is time for Ministers to take real action and get VAT off the toll; this would reduce it by 20 per cent.

"Along with my Labour colleagues I will continue to call for this but it seems that even the Welsh Tories in Whitehall will not support South Wales, help our businesses grow and help our communities become more prosperous."

Severn River Crossing PLC raised the tolls this month in compliance with the Severn Bridges Act 1992.