Original Severn Bridge maintenance cost raises concern

Maintenance fears have been raised in relation to the original Severn Bridge

A Plaid Cymru AM has raised fears Severn Bridge maintenance costs may be passed from a business to taxpayers.

Chris Franks said the firm operating the crossing raised nearly £226m in tolls in three years and spent £15m on corroded cables on the original bridge.

He fears "necessary" repairs will not take place before the crossing returns to public ownership.

Severn River Crossing, which works to a Highways Agency-approved maintenance schedule, declined to comment.

Mr Franks' figures came from a Freedom of Information (FOI) response he received from the Highways Agency.

It shows that Severn River Crossing plc, which oversees operations on both bridges, collected £225.7m from toll revenues in three years from 2006.

As a result of corrosion of the main suspension cables of the older bridge, described as "significant" by the Highways Agency, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in weight are limited to one lane in each direction.

Mr Franks, AM for South Wales Central, has written to UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, and Under Secretary Mike Penning raising concerns over the future of the original Severn Bridge.

I have serious concerns about the impact on the public purse once the two bridges are returned to public ownership Chris Franks AM

He said: "I have serious concerns about the impact on the public purse once the two bridges are returned to public ownership which, I understand, is due to take place in 2016.

"Plaid is seeking assurances that any significant work that may be necessary on the first Severn crossing takes place before the bridge is returned to public ownership.

"I do not believe it would be acceptable that a private operator, who has reaped considerable revenues and profits from the building of the second bridge, should be able to pass on significant future costs to public bodies."

'No comment'

Severn River Crossing plc declined to comment on the issues raised by Mr Franks.

Its spokesperson referred enquiries to the Highways Agency, which inspects the crossing.

The Highways Agency spokesman said Severn River Crossing plc is working to a maintenance schedule approved by the agency.

He said very regular checks were undertaken by the Highways Agency to ensure the safety of the crossings, and that the next engineering report would be published in October.

A UK Department for Transport spokesperson said tolls were in place to allow the concessionaire, Severn River Crossing plc, to cover costs associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the bridges.

She said: "This includes maintaining both bridges to agreed standards consistent with those applied across the motorway network.

"Separately to this, funding in excess of £14m has already been provided by the Highways Agency to enable the essential maintenance work that is being carried out on the cables on the M48 Severn Bridge."

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