'Confusion' as card payments on Severn Bridge suspended

Card payment was introduced in time for the Ryder Cup in Newport in early October

Card payment machines installed on the Severn crossings in time for the Ryder Cup have been withdrawn.

Drivers entering Wales have recently been able to use plastic instead of cash to pay the £5.50 toll.

But UK Transport Minister Theresa Villiers has confirmed the removal of the devices while work is carried out to improve the system and reduce congestion.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden said the move had caused "confusion".

Temporary machines will be in use from next week with permanent ones introduced in the new year.

The hope is the revised system will not require drivers to input their pin numbers.

Ms Morden told the House of Commons: "The facility enabling people to pay with credit and debit cards - for which I was grateful - was introduced in time for the Ryder Cup, only to be whisked away again the minute the event was over.

"That has caused confusion. My constituents would like to pay by modern methods, which is fair enough. Can the minister assure me that an end to the situation is in sight?"

Mrs Villiers said the initial systems were put in place to tie in with the start of the tournament.

She said: "We considered it important to meet the deadline, given the significance of the event.

"The temporary scheme has been withdrawn for the moment, but is due to be back in operation on Friday next week.

"That gives us a chance to do some more work in order to make it more efficient, but there will be further work to make it more efficient still.

"We hope to introduce a system in the new year that will not require PINs. The temporary system does require them, and that causes delays and adds to congestion."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said they were "disappointed" the card payment machines had been temporarily removed.

"This will cause unnecessary confusion to commuters who have benefited from their installation since the run up to the Ryder Cup.

"We would urge both the bridge operators and the Department of Transport to reinstall card payment machines on the Severn crossing as soon as possible."