THE Welsh Secretary has indicated that the cost of using the Severn Crossings could be brought down once they come back into public ownership.

David Jones made the comments in the House of Commons, saying the tolls were a “major impediment” to business in South Wales.

A Gwent MP has said she will ask Mr Jones to clarify what he meant.

Kevin Brennan, the MP for Cardiff West who was born in Cwmbran, asked at Welsh Questions whether it was “time that we improved the Welsh economy by getting rid of those burdensome tolls?”

Mr Jones replied: “I agree with the honourable gentleman that the tolls are a major impediment to businesses in south Wales.

“Having said that, these are important pieces of infrastructure that assist the south Wales economy immensely.

“As he will know, the franchise ends in 2017/18. At that time, we will look at ways to reduce the cost of crossing the Severn,” he added.

Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, said any opportunity to reduce the Severn Bridge tolls for “hard pressed commuters and businesses” in her constituency is welcome.

But she said the help is needed now, and added: “I will be pressing the secretary of state to clarify his remarks.”

Tory Monmouth MP David Davies, who chairs the Welsh Affairs Select Committee which has looked into the issue, said: “I welcome any serious moves to reduce the tolls. It is something I have campaigned on for many years.

“Once the bridge reverts to government ownership in about 2018 the government can immediately take off the VAT and should then look to charge a toll which is just enough to cover the maintenance. We have calculated that this would be about one third of the current level.”

The Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing are currently run by a private company.

Under the terms that the second crossing was built both will return to public ownership once a certain level of tolls is paid – it is thought this will take place by 2018 at the latest.

The Welsh Government has called for the tolls to be devolved to Wales, and has said it might reduce them if it took control.