Welcome to Roadtransport.coin association with:Commercial MotorMotor TransportTruck & DriverTruckNetRoadtransport.com email newsletter subscriptionsNewsWelsh hauliers demand toll reduction05 August 2009Wales has been branded a "second-class relative of England" by hauliers fed up with the huge costs they are forced to shell out to cross the River Severn.The government rejected a price hike on the Humber Bridge toll last week and hauliers are now demanding that it also cuts the toll for essential users of both Severn Bridges. The cost rose to 16.30 per truck at the beginning of the year and operators say the price is damaging the economy of South Wales.Road Haulage Association (RHA) figures show that during 2008, HGVs accounted for nearly 22m of revenue raised.Ian Jarman, environmental and legislation manager at Llanelli, Dyfed-based Owens Road Services, which forks out 16,000 a month in toll fees, says: "It's deplorable that the DfT didn't [cut the tolls] in December when it announced the prices on the Severn Bridge. It's a direct tax on Welsh industry and an unfair tax on Welsh operators."Coed Ely, Mid Glamorgan-based haulier CJ Bird Transport describes the bridge tolls as a "cash cow". MD Chris Bird adds: "It's an awful lot of money for what it is."A DfT spokesman says the decision to reject the proposed Humber Bridge increase was based on the economic climate and has no bearing on the Severn Bridge tollRelated Articles* Llandrindod Wells will be next testing station to close* Bypass set to cut congestion in North Wales* Severn Bridge truck toll increase is slashed