Government near to Severn tolls battle
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IT IS likely that the Government will he challenged on the 150 per cent rise on Severn Bridge tolls.
As CM went to press it was expected that five South Wales councils Avon, Gwent, and South, Mid and West Glamorgan would challenge Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley, on the grounds that the proposed increases are unlawful.
The increases are due to come into force Sunday, June 23, but the South Wales councils are expected to ask Mr,Ridley to postpone the increases until after the court proceedings have been heard.
If Mr Ridley ignores the plea to postpone the rise it may lead to chaos.
All the drivers who cross it from Sunday might be able to claim back for each journey between the new and old amount should Mr Ridley lose the hearing.
• Mrs Thatcher has given a clear hint that there will be a second Severn crossing.
In an interview with regio nal political editors, she suggested that it would probably be another bridge, but a final decision had still to be taken.
She stressed that any crossing would have to be paid for partly from tolls. She rejected arguments that the recent big increase on the Severn Bridge were a dis-incentive to investment in South Wales.