In a surprise move the Conservatives have pledged to scrap the Severn Bridge tolls if the party wins the general election.
Prime Minister Theresa May predicts a £100m economic boost to the region in the pledge, which goes further than the existing plan to halve the tolls by 2018. No date has been given for when the tolls would be scrapped.
The change would "strengthen links" between south Wales and the west of England, the prime minister claimed.
"I want to ensure that our economic progress is shared across the United Kingdom," she said.
"This will drive economic growth right across the country helping key economic centres in Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Newport," Mrs May added.
"By significantly reducing the cost of doing business between Wales and England, the Conservatives continue to deliver on improving the economic prospects of ordinary working people."
The two crossings will be operated by Highways England when they return to public ownership in 2018. Annual maintenance costs are estimated at around £7m per year.
The Labour Party says it will “work with the Welsh Government to scrap the tolls on the Severn Bridge.”
