SCRAPPING Severn Bridge tolls for low-emission and electric vehicles would be a bargaining tool in South Wales to get more people to use the crossing, the boss of a non-profit eco group said.

Chas Ball, chief executive of transport NGO the Carplus Trust is backing calls for the move.

A report earlier this year recommended a “green badge” scheme for drivers of ultra-low emission vehicles, which would see them cross the Severn Crossing, the M6 or Clifton Suspension Bridge for free.

Mr Ball said the UK should follow the lead of Norway, which has embraced electric vehicles.

He said: “I think when we are trying to change people’s behaviour, when it’s a step into something new they need rewarding.

“We don’t think it would cost much but it would send out important signals and encourage people who are making regular trips between Bristol and South Wales.”

Mr Ball has sent letters making the suggestion to UK Transport Minister Baroness Kramer and Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart and received an acknowledgement. He is working on the possibility of bringing a car club to Newport – a transport network utilising electric vehicles.

The proposals, talked about at a city meeting earlier this month, have emerged from the plans by developer Sennybridge for a £39 million sustainable development at the Old Town Dock.

This includes a transport scheme utilising a mini-fleet of electric cars for shared use by residents and safe walking and cycling routes, with the aim of creating a greener space in which to live.

Last week the headache of the tolls was the subject for discussion across the political divides.

Welsh Secretary David Jones called them a “major impediment” to businesses in South Wales. He indicated the crossing fee could be brought down when the bridges come back into public ownership in 2017. Severn councillor Jim Higginson had a motion passed at Monmouthshire council asking it to write to the UK and Welsh Governments together with the Severn Crossing CEO.

He claimed there was a risk of toll increases “escalating out of all proportion.”

Cllr Graham Down for Shirenewton said: "It is costing young people £32 a week."

Llanbadoc councillor Val Smith said: “The added cost to the bridge is injuring Wales –it’s not going to get better,” while Cllr Jessica Crook, representing The Elms, called the prices “astronomical.”

Cllr Graham Down, for Shirenewton, added: “It’s costing young people £32 a week.”