Members of Newport & Gwent Chamber of Commerce (ngb2b) have asked the Chamber to revive the ‘cash and cheque only’ debate surrounding the Severn Bridge Crossing. While the debate has been around for several years, the recent toll price hikes, increased credit-card use, and the introduction of credit-card tolls on other UK roads and bridges have all added fuel to the fire.

In June 2001, in a report published by the Highways Agency regarding toll payments by credit card, it was revealed that on average, 400 vehicles are turned back each month because they are unable (or unwilling) to pay. For this reason, Severn River Crossings made a change to the Severn Bridge Regulations act 1996, to accept cheques.