Drivers will no longer have to pay to cross the Cleddau Bridge after an agreement with the Welsh Government was reached to remove tolls.

While the removal of the tolls has been touted for some time, Pembrokeshire County Council had been waiting for a formal written grant offer from Cardiff to ensure the loss of toll revenue would be covered.

Cllr Paul Miller told cabinet today (Monday, March 11) that written confirmation had now been received, subject to detailed agreement of terms, for an offer of £3million a year, to be reviewed in 20 years.

Cllr Miller, the cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture added he was “very pleased to finally report some tangible progress.”

A one off payment for the cost of removing toll booths and staffing changes was also agreed, with statutory notices now to be issued to those affected.

Council leader Cllr David Simpson apologised to staff left waiting for details following the Welsh Government’s unexpected announcement on scrapping the tolls in October last year.

“I’m very pleased that the tolls are going, it will be a great boost to the economy of the county.

“I’d like to thank the staff of the bridge for the work they have done over the years but I hope they understand now that our hands were tied here,” he added.

Cllr Miller said: “The tolls have been an unwelcome barrier to trade in Pembrokeshire and this is a very positive development for the county.”

It is planned that the tolls will be scrapped from April 1, 2019.BRIDGE TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDEDFollowing confirmation that the Cleddau Bridge will become free of tolls from April 1, plans are in hand to reimburse road users left with unused bridge tickets.Pembrokeshire County Council will offer refunds on unused tickets for a three-month period up until June 30.From April 1 refunds will be available from the Cleddau Bridge office itself and from the Council’s customer service centre in North Wing in County Hall, Haverfordwest.Arrangements are also being made to refund commercial companies who may have larger stocks of unused tickets.The Council will cease selling tickets from Sunday, March 24.The Cleddau Bridge toll varies according to the road user.Motor cyclists pay 35 pence, cars 75 pence and lorries over two tones £1.50.Buying a book of tickets offers a discount on these charges.