Welsh Liberal Democrats

Complacent inaction shows contempt for South Wales businesses and communities - Randerson

Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Minister for the Economy and Transport, Jenny Randerson AM has accused the Deputy First Minister of "complacent in-action "after he admitted he had made virtually no attempts to limit hikes in the toll prices facing businesses and people using the Severn Bridge.

In a staggering series of Written Answers to Ms Randerson, Ieuan Wyn Jones admitted:

• Neither he nor his officials have had any discussions with the company operating the Severn Bridge about toll rates for next year.
• He has not sought any advice from businesses on the effect of tolls on the Severn Bridge.
• He has made no assessment of the impact of the tolls on Welsh businesses.
• Neither he nor his officials have had discussions in order to facilitate the freezing of the tolls next year, after the UK Government froze tolls on the Humber Bridge.
• He is not consulted as part of the annual setting of tolls on the Severn Bridge.

Jenny Randerson said: "As I read each of the Minister's answers, I was more and more surprised at the devastating level of this complacent inaction. "Businesses are continually saying that the tolls on the bridge are one of the worst barriers to success for the Economy in South Wales.

"His main job should be to build and strengthen the Welsh Economy, but from his own answers, it seems he is doing virtually nothing in this regard.

"With the Humber Bridge seeing its tolls frozen, Ieuan should be fighting for the same deal for South Wales, but he is simply not doing anything.

"This requires some serious explaining."

Notes:

Jenny Randerson (Cardiff Central): Will the Minister provide details of discussions he or his officials have had regarding freezing the price of tolls across the Severn Bridge following the UK Government's decision to freeze tolls across the Humber Bridge.(WAQ55288) Ieuan Wyn Jones: The Assembly Government has had no discussions on freezing the Severn Bridge tolls. Jenny Randerson (Cardiff Central): What discussions have the Minister and his advisers had with the Severn River Crossing PLC on toll charges in 2010. (WAQ55276) Ieuan Wyn Jones: Neither my advisors nor I have had discussions with Severn River Crossing PLC on toll charges in 2010. Jenny Randerson (Cardiff Central): What advice has the Minister taken from businesses on toll charges on the Severn Crossings in 2010. (WAQ55277) Ieuan Wyn Jones: I have received no advice from businesses on toll charges on the Severn Crossings in 2010. Jenny Randerson (Cardiff Central): Will the Minister confirm whether he is consulted as part of the process by which new annual tolls for the Severn Crossings are calculated. (WAQ55279) Ieuan Wyn Jones: I am not consulted as part of this process. Jenny Randerson (Cardiff Central): What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the Severn Crossing tolls on business in Wales. (WAQ55280) Ieuan Wyn Jones: No official assessment has been made of the impact of the Severn Crossing tolls on business in Wales

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