A cavalcade of classic cars, lorries, tractors and bikes will cross the Cleddau Bridge at 12.30pm today, Sunday, to celebrate the end of bridge tolls.

The tolls were abolished on Thursday, March 28, after 44 years. See article here.

https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/17534436.free-at-last-tolls-are-dropped-on-the-cleddau-bridge-after-44-years/

Western Telegraph: The Cleddau Bridge tolls were abolished on March 28. PIC: Martin CavaneyThe Cleddau Bridge tolls were abolished on March 28. PIC: Martin Cavaney

Today it is hoped that hundreds of cars will take part in a celebratory crossing of the bridge, with Angle lifeboat, Dale Sailing and a lot of yachts also joining in with the celebrations on the Cleddau River below the bridge.

The event has been organised by classic car enthusiast, Malcolm Powell.

“The bridge being toll free will open things up,” he said. “I know 75 pence isn’t a lot but even 50 pence is a lot if you haven’t got it.

“People from Neyland and Milford can visit Pembroke and Pembroke Dock and we can visit Neyland and Milford.

“We’ve got some beautiful places both sides of the bridge but, even though they are only two miles away, people can be put off by the £1.50 charge.

“Hopefully both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock and Neyland and Milford Haven will prosper from this.

Western Telegraph: Classic car enthisiast Malcolm Powell has organised the rally. He hopes the abolition of tolls will open Pembrokeshire up. Classic car enthisiast Malcolm Powell has organised the rally. He hopes the abolition of tolls will open Pembrokeshire up.

PIC: Martin Cavaney

“I think it will help the business side of things as well, I’ve got friends in haulage, they cross the bridge ten times a day, five days a week at £1.50 each time.

“We are not north and south we are one.”

https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/17491979.welsh-government-will-pay-3m-a-year-to-cover-loss-of-toll-income/

Vehicles from Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are congregating at the car park on the south side of the Cleddau Bridge while the Haverfordwest, Neyland and Milford Haven contingent is meeting at the Howden’s car park, near the Bridge innovation centre at 11.30am.

Twenty two MG cars from Bridgend will also be on the south side at 11.45am.

They will proceed to the Cleddau Bridge, crossing it at 12.30.

Malcolm has organised a bucket collection for the Wales Air Ambulance, Paul Sartori and Angle Lifeboat crew fund.

What to do with your unused bridge tickets

Old bridge tickets can also be handed in to Malcolm. He has arranged to exchange odd tickets for cash with Pembrokeshire County Council. All money made from this will also be split between the three charities.