Tolls on both Severn Crossings will be abolished on Monday, 17 December 2018, just in time for the festive getaway, the UK government has announced.

The government claims the move will generate annual savings for regular motorists travelling between South Wales and the South West of England and give an economic boost to the Welsh economy of an estimated £100m each year.

Businesses will also benefit from removal of the tolls currently set at £16.70 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, £11.20 for those below 3.5 tonnes and £5.60 for cars.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said, “It has long been my ambition to see the tolls abolished, doing away with a barrier that has hindered Wales’ economic prosperity for more than half a century.”

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling added, “Removing the tolls from the Severn bridges will help transform the economy in South Wales and the South West. Abolishing these tolls will also cut costs for businesses on both sides of the river, giving them a huge boost to help create new opportunities and new potential for growth.”

The second Severn crossing was controversially renamed the Prince of Wales Bridge earlier this year at a reported rebranding cost of almost £40,000.