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It appears, according to the news today that they will be getting card payment systems on the bridge specially for the Rider Cup.
However, after that they are taking them away. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!!
According to BBC News, Drivers entering Wales using the Severn bridges will be able to pay by debit and credit card before Newport hosts golf's Ryder Cup in a fortnight.
David Davies, chair of the Welsh affairs committee, said this was a temporary measure while the company running the crossings works on a long-term solution.
However, drivers wil be encouraged to use cash to pay the toll charge as card payments will be taken using "slow" hand held card readers and not a "fast swipe and use system," Mr Davies, the Monmouth MP, said.
Some 45,000 people are due to attend the tournament on each of the three days and it has been calculated that the event will boost the Welsh economy by at least £73m.
On Michael German's wensite he said:The campaign to get cards accepted to pay the Severn Bridges tolls took a step closer as it was announced that changes were being made to legislation that governs the Severn crossings.
Michael German, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly member said he was delighted that amendments to the Severn Bridges Act 1992 were being made in the UKParliament and allowing cards to be accepted for payment on both bridges.
In a letter from the Minister of State for Transport in London, Sadiq Khan, to Mr. German, he says that "urging Severn River Crossing plc to work with the Highways Agency to introduce card payments as a matter of urgency to give motorists an increased choice of payment methods."
He said: "It's been a long time coming. At last during this year cards will be accepted for payment bring the bridges into the 21st century."
"I'll be urging the bridge operators to now quickly introduce payment by card facilities. The news that changes have been introduced in Parliament to enable cards to be taken for toll payments means there's no need for any delay. We need a date as soon as possible."
Mr. German has been along time campaigner on the issue. The campaign has seen groups being set-up on the social network site sensation Facebook with the backing of many local bridge users in South Wales and the Forest of Dean as well as local small businesses and bodies representing industry, business and commerce.
Ed Townsend, Lib Dem MP Candidate for Newport East and Severnside, who's been backing the campaign said he was pleased to see that the 'light is at the end of the tunnel' on this issue where pressure had been building for the last few years for the change.
Mr. Townsend said: "This year we'll see a change for the benefit of bridge users and residents in Newport and Severnside. We are the customers and there is now no excuse for any delay. I have many. Many constituents who have been frustrated with the 'cash only' rule which has always been seen as insult whilst having to endure the highest bridge tolls in the country."
(Exert from http://michaelgerman.org.uk)
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