Bridge card payment hopes raised

The new system could allow drivers to pay the toll by card

A major step has been taken towards allowing drivers using the two Severn bridges between south Wales and England to pay by card.

Drivers must currently pay in cash or use an electronic device which is read by a scanner at the toll booths.

But now the UK government is trying to change the legislation which prevents the use of credit and debit cards.

A working group has already established that credit and debit cards can be accepted in principle.

The Highways Agency said the "necessary amendments" had been proposed to legislation to permit debit and credit card payments at the Severn crossings.

In my view, it's not going to happen before the second half of next year Jim Clune, Severn River Crossing

Severn River Crossing (SRC) general manager Jim Clune said he expected cards to be accepted from some time in the second half of next year.

"It's still got to be approved by parliament or signed off by the secretary of state. We're very pleased but there's still work to be done with physical works on the toll plazas and work on IT software and the like," he said.

"In my view, it's not going to happen before the second half of next year. Whether that's July or November next year, I couldn't say.

"But we've come a long way in the last year or so."

A working group was set up in November 2007 to look at the possibility of introducing card payments.

The working group, featuring representatives from the Highways Agency, SRC, the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK government, presented its findings in October last year to the Highways Agency.

A working group has been looking at whether card payments are feasible

It established that, in principle, it was feasible to accept credit and debit cards as a method of toll payment at the Severn bridges.

Discussions have since taken place with banks and equipment suppliers.

But before cards can be introduced, the legislation governing the crossings needs to be amended as it does not allow card payments.

A Highways Agency spokesperson said: "Detailed discussions for providing credit/debit card facilities as a method of payment are continuing with Severn River Crossing PLC.

"Once all negotiations are complete and there is greater certainty on the costs, a decision can be made on the project to introduce card payments at both Severn crossings.

"In parallel to the negotiations with the concessionaire, we have initiated proposed amendments to the secondary legislation to permit debit and credit card payments at the Severn crossings."

Adrian Tink, the RAC's motoring strategist, said: "If you look at a lot of the other major toll roads, a lot of these do have card lanes.

"It's a very welcome evolution for motorists and gives them choice about how they pay.

"It's long overdue, I would say. It's a really welcome development."

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