Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas has kept the pressure on the Welsh Government to get rid of the Cleddau Bridge tolls.

During economy questions in the National Assembly, the AM quizzed the Minister over the Cleddau Bridge tolls.

Mid and West AM for the Party of Wales Simon Thomas said: “Plaid Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government to scrap the tolls on the Cleddau Bridge. This move would be good for businesses and for local people.

“The Economy Minister has talked about the trunking of the road over the Cleddau Bridge. I asked when the trunking takes place as outlined in the Welsh Government’s transport plan is it the intention of the Welsh Government to get rid of the tolls?”

The Minister Edwina Hart promised to look at the wider issues around the toll during the next few months. Mrs. Hart admitted that people were concerned about what they have to pay.

She replied: “Well, I think we’re going to have to have discussions about these particular issues on the Cleddau Bridge. I will be absolutely frank with you: people are very concerned about what they have to pay, and when you look at some of the wage levels, et cetera, even though it doesn’t seem a lot in terms of the tolls, a lot of people are making that particular daily journey. So, I will be looking at some of these wider issues during the next few months.”

PUBLIC MEETING

In the meantime, Simon Thomas is due to hold a town hall type meeting where members of the public can question him on his plans for the local economy.

The event will review the campaign to bring an end to the Cleddau Bridge tolls.

The Question and Answer session takes place on Thursday, November 12, at Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, at 6 pm.

“The focus of the meeting is to discuss the economy, jobs and the progress of the campaign to scrap the tolls on the Cleddau Bridge. It is important for Assembly Members to listen to local concerns.

“Over the last few months I’ve been discussing with people in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire how we can improve the local economy. Plaid Cymru in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire is calling on the Welsh Government to take over responsibility for the Cleddau Bridge and bring to an end these tolls. It is an extra burden for business and the communities around the bridge.

“Following questions by Plaid Cymru in the National Assembly I’m pleased that the Economy Minister will look carefully at scrapping the tolls. I’ll be able to update people at the meeting about the progress and outline the next steps of our campaign.”