Tolls on the Severn Crossings are set to be abolished earlier than planned.

The tolls will be abolished on Monday, December 17, the UK Government has announced today (Tuesday, October 2).

Originally planned to be scrapped at the end of the year, the move will mean those travelling between South Wales and South Gloucestershire over Christmas will be able to do so for free.

The move could save regular motorists more than £1,000 per year and have a boost to the Welsh economy of an estimated £100m each year.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:“It has long been my ambition to see the tolls abolished, doing away with a barrier that has hindered Wales’ economic prosperity for more than half a century.

“Today marks an important leap forward in Wales’ economic potential, increasing our appeal to external investors but also ensuring businesses, commuters and tourists on both sides of the border are no longer hampered by a fee restricting them from carrying out their everyday lives.

“Removing the tolls will cement the already strong ties between South Wales and the South West of England, creating a growth corridor for prosperity to flourish from Cardiff, through Newport to Bristol and beyond.”

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said:“Removing the tolls from the Severn bridges will help transform the economy in South Wales and the South West, putting over £1,000 a year back in the pockets of hard-working families.

“Abolishing these tolls will also cut costs for businesses on both sides of the river, giving them a huge boost to help create new opportunities and new potential for growth.”

Tolls have been in place since 1966 when the first bridge was opened, costing drivers the equivalent of 12.5p.

Today, charges levied for westbound traffic come to £6.60 for cars, £13.40 for large vans and minibuses and £20 for buses and lorries after being reduced in January.

Former Thornbury and Yate MP Sir Steve Webb launched a campaign to abolish the tolls in 2014.