NEWS that the Severn Crossings tolls will be scrapped from next year has been welcomed across the Welsh political and economical landscapes.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said that the change would boost the local economy to the tune of £100 million a year – saving the average motorist more than £1,400 per year.

The minister made the official announcement yesterday at an event with business stakeholders from South Wales and South West England at Newport-based haulage company, Owens Road Services.

Ian Jarman, part of the firm’s management team, told the Argus that the company spends around £480,000 a year on tolls alone.

He said that savings made possible by the changes would allow the firm to spend more funds on new vehicles, upscaling the workforce and expanding the company.

“We’ve campaigned long and hard for a reduction or scrapping of the tolls and today’s announcement is welcomed,” said Mr Jarman.

“We are confident that what has been proposed will be delivered by the end of 2018. This is a good news day for Wales and the economy.”

Ian Gallagher, head of policy for South West and Wales Freight Transport Association (FTA) also welcomed the “long-awaited” announcement.

“It is excellent news for the growth of the Welsh and South West Economies, a real shot in the arm for those businesses and commuters who use the bridges on a daily basis,” he said.

The UK Government had pledged to scrap the tolls as part of its manifesto, with Shadow Transport Secretary Russell George AM, describing it as a “bold decision”.

But a spokesman for the Welsh Government’s economy secretary Ken Skates has criticised the announcement, claiming that it “fools no one.”

“We’ve been calling for the scrapping of the Severn Bridge tolls for some time and given that this was a manifesto commitment from all parties, this is more of a thinly veiled attempt at a sweetener than it is news,” a statement read.

Similar apprehension has been voiced by Newport East MP Jessica Morden who, while welcoming the news, added: “For far too long, commuters and businesses in Newport East and beyond have had to absorb the extortionate toll charges.

“My Welsh Labour colleagues and I will ensure the Tory government is scrutinised, that we have a timetable for the bridges returning to public ownership and that the tolls really are scrapped.”