First minister to get involved in Cleddau Bridge tolls issue

9:44am Sunday 8th July 2007

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THE first minister has been asked to intervene on Cleddau Bridge tolls by a local AM.

Pembrokeshire regional AM, Alun Davies, has asked Rhodri Morgan to intervene in the debate over the Cleddau Bridge, with the view of taking over the bridge and abolishing the tolls.

Speaking in the National Assembly, AM Alun Davies said: "This is an important transport link in Pembrokeshire, and the toll that is currently charged is an unfair tax on the local economy, local people and visitors. It falls particularly heavily on the poorest people who have to use that link regularly."

In reply the minister said: "I will look into it and see what the costs would be, but I do not want to give any commitment whatsoever at this stage as to whether it would be feasible to do that."

Afterwards, Mr. Davies said: "I am delighted Rhodri Morgan has agreed to look into this issue. I know it is something that many thousands of people feel very strongly about.

"This bridge is an essential link for the whole of Pembrokeshire and the tolls add up to an unfair imposition on regular users and visitors alike.

"Whilst I understand that the first minister cannot give us a rock-solid guarantee before reviewing the situation, I am sure that when the position is understood the assembly government will take the bridge over, making it into a trunk road and ending once and for all this unnecessary tax."

County councillor Ken Rowlands has indicated his support, issuing a notice of motion suggesting that the county council approach the Welsh assembly with the view to removing tolls.