Written questions, answers and statements

Severn River Crossing

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Question for Department for Transport

UIN 228409, tabled on 19 March 2015

Question

Jessica Morden
Labour
Newport East
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much the Severn Bridges cost to run and maintain in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2012-13.

Answer

Mr John Hayes
Conservative
South Holland and The Deepings
Commons

Answered on

24 March 2015

Under the terms of the Concession Agreement, Severn River Crossing Plc (SRC) is required to maintain and repair both Severn Crossings. This includes performing regular maintenance and inspections work and carrying out any necessary repairs. The accounts of Severn River Crossing Plc, show that the operating and maintenance costs were £13.1m in 2012 and £14.4m in 2013. Figures for 2014 are not yet available.

The risks for defects that existed prior to the concession were not transferred to SRC as this would have resulted in significantly higher tolls. This is because at the time of bidding, the risks could not be quantified, therefore, any costs associated with an unknown pre-existing defects fall to the government. The total costs of maintenance and repair work by the Highways Agency/Department of Transport on the two Severn bridge crossings in financial years.

a) 2013-14 £632,369.07

b) 2012-13 £512,172.70

Answered by

Department for Transport
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