To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the estimated annual cost to the Government is for (a) maintenance and (b) operations of the Severn Crossings after they return to public ownership.

Once Highways England take ownership they will be able to understand the ongoing operational and maintenance requirements. As well as annual maintenance and operating costs, there will also be other costs that are not incurred annually such as resurfacing.

It is the Government’s intention that the outstanding Government debt on the Severn Crossings is recouped once the Crossings return to public ownership and before the tolls can be abolished. There will also be costs associated with ending tolling.