DELAYS on the old Severn Bridge are due to maintenance work overhead, Monmouth Assembly Member (AM) Nick Ramsay has been told by Highways England.

The AM pressed for action to be taken following complaints from constituents about long delays. He has been told that work should be completed in mid-August, ahead of Network Rail’s closure of the Severn Tunnel on September 12.

Mr Ramsay said: “I have been told that the reason for the lane restriction is for essential work to be carried out on the main suspension cable during the summer months when the weather conditions are better. As the access scaffolding is above the safety fence and overhangs the carriageway, a lane closure is an essential safety requirement.

“On the Westbound carriageway extra resources are being used to accelerate the work. An improvement has been made by installing traffic lights at Newhouse roundabout to control eastbound traffic.

“Highways England say they are promoting the TAG scheme to improve flow rates through the tolls. Contactless payments over all lanes are also being implemented to speed up transaction times for customers who pay with credit or debit cards.

“Highways England are also working with Severn River Crossings to look at ways pf providing information to help customers identify the most appropriate toll lane to help reduce queuing.

“I hope these measures will be effective in improving the situation at the Old Severn Bridge and that they will be put in place very soon.”