Severn Bridge journeys to Wales rise after tolls end - RAC comment

Commenting on Highways England data that shows more drivers are making journeys over the Bristol Channel now that tolls have ended, RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said:

“It looks as though the removal of the tolls has ushered in a new era of Bristol Channel hopping – we’d imagine primarily for leisure and social reasons, with people exploring what south Wales, Bristol and the south west have to offer now that the financial barriers have gone.

“While it appears fee-free travel has led to an increase in traffic, it will be interesting to see if this continues and what effect it has on traffic congestion on roads close to the tolls as a result of the new free-flowing Severn crossings. We anticipated an initial increase in leisure traffic, but the affordability of commuting in either direction has now clearly improved and could well lead to more people crossing between Wales and England by car.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pavement parking reaction: New local powers to keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most
Following the Government giving local councils new powers to take action against obstructive pavement parking, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: "Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Amber warnings issued for Storm Goretti - RAC comment
Following Amber warnings for snow and strong wind issued by the Met Office this week, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “These relatively rare amber weather warnings for snow must be heeded by drivers. They're clear signs that disruption is likely across a large swathe of Wales and central England, and possible over a much greater area of the UK. People may want to consider avoiding driving overnight from Thursday into Friday or bringing journeys forward to avoid being stuck in the worst weather.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Thousands of lives to be saved under bold new Road Safety Strategy - RAC reaction
Government announces its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

media.rac.co.uk