THE Welsh Government has confirmed that they will not be taking over maintenance of the Cleddau Bridge after tolls are removed next year.

Last month it was revealed that Cleddau Bridge tolls were to be removed earlier than originally planned, with a new aim to scrap them by April 1, 2019.

Since then, users in the Pembrokeshire Council Watch (PCW) Facebook page questioned whether the Welsh Government would, or should, trunk the road – taking over the maintenance costs.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We will not be taking over the management of the Cleddau Bridge or surrounding road.

“We continue to liaise with Pembrokeshire Council on work to remove the tolls.”

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism, confirmed this.

“The Government have made their intention clear on trunking the A477 Pembroke Dock to Johnston – they do not have any plan to trunk the road,” he said.

“That said, Welsh Government are working with us in an attempt to ensure there will be no increased burden on the Council taxpayers of Pembrokeshire when the tolls go.”

While many PCW users were happy to see the tolls go, others were concerned that the maintenance costs would be pushed onto people across Pembrokeshire, who may not use the bridge.

Cllr Miller said removing the tolls would be a positive thing.

“I firmly believe the Cleddau Bridge tolls are both an unwelcome barrier to trade and an unfair secondary tax which disproportionately affects those living and working around the haven,” Cllr Miller said.

“Individuals who need to cross the bridge every day for work will save at least £6 a week on their crossings from April. That could easily add up to an extra £270 a year in people’s pockets.”