News
Motorists to save money as Severn Bridge tolls are reduced
MOTORISTS who regularly travel using the Severn Bridge will welcome a drop in tolls from January 8.
The new fees will be:
Category 1 (car/up to 9 seats) – £5.60, down from £6.70
Category 2 (up to 17 seats) – £11.20, down from £13.40
Category 3 (18+ seats) – £16.70, down from £20
The tolls for using the bridge will be scrapped entirely by the end of 2018, the Government has said.
25 million vehicles use the bridge every year, with £167.5m raised from tolls in 2017 alone.
Motorists who use the bridge daily will save £300 in 2018.
As it stands, the average driver in Wales uses the bridges six times a year, while those in the South West go over and back just five times in 12 months.
Drivers in the West Midlands use them the least at just four times a year.
In fact, almost one in 10 (9%) motorists admit they take a longer detour to avoid paying the current bridge tolls. But one in seven (14%) say they will use the bridges more once the tolls are reduced.
Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: “The two Severn Crossings have been money-making machines for many years, but from January they will be going the opposite way! Drivers who commute over the bridges every day will save almost £300 over the year, which is a step towards reducing their motoring costs.
“Lowering the price of the bridge tolls could provide a boost for the local economy, and it is also a huge win for drivers in the surrounding regions. The cost of motoring is on the up, with car insurance expected to be the most expensive on record in 2018, and fuel price increases week on week. But the toll cut is a positive step forward in making it more affordable for drivers.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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