CARD payments should be ready on the Severn Bridge before the 2010 Ryder Cup, a minister told MPs.

Parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Norman Baker also said he did not expect bridge operator Seven River Crossing Plc to pass on the planned VAT increase.

The minister made the comments in a debate on the bridge in Westminister Hall, House of Commons, called by Newport East MP Jessica Morden.

Mr Baker said many overseas visitors to the Ryder Cup would “not be flush with money in their pockets to pay the tolls”.

He said his officials had assured him the matter would be dealt with before the competition begins.

Implementing the scheme will cost between £7 million and £10 million until the end of the concession, or around £1 million per year depending on usage, the minister said.

Meanwhile he said he did not expect the planned VAT increase to 20 per cent be passed on to users of the bridge.

However Mr Baker added that “the concessionaire expects to receive a certain amount of money” and said the matter will be subject to negotiation.

Currently tolls are at £5.50 for cars, £10.90 for vans and £16.40 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

If 20 per cent of VAT was added current prices would rise to £5.62, £11.13 and £16.75 respectively.

However the rise is due to come into force next January, when new tolls increased in line with the rate of inflation would be in place.

Jessica Morden MP asked whether people who live locally could pay less, as she said was done at the Dartford Crossing.

Mr Baker said any discounts or exemptions were a matter for the operator as long as they comply with existing laws on the crossing.