HIGH toll charges across the newly opened £330 million second Severn River Crossing will continue to force traffic to divert on to less suitable routes, according to the RAC.

Following this week's opening of the three-mile bridge providing a new motorway link between England and Wales three miles upstream from the original Severn Bridge the RAC said it would not ease traffic chaos as drivers would find routes to escape toll charges. Tolls on both Severn crossings are collected on the way into Wales only and are £3.80 for cars, £7.70 for light commercials and £11.50 for HGVs.

Keeping up the RAC's opposition to road tolls it said motorists should not have to pay to use the two Severn bridges as they were part of the existing motorway network which should be provided in return for the high levels of taxation - £25 billion a year - paid by drivers.