Lower Severn Bridge toll for Horseboxes

For the past 30 years HGV horseboxes have been charged as Category 3 vehicles, attracting the maximum toll – currently £15.90. Motor caravans and mobile homes are charged £5.30 as they are classed as Category 1 vehicles.

However, from the 17th March 2008 horseboxes over 3.5 tonnes that have permanent living accommodation will be charged as Category 1 vehicles. James Broome of the David Broome Event Centre identified a loophole in the Severn Bridges Act that determines how tolls are charged.

“The Act states that, ‘A Motor caravan, or mobile home, is classed as a Category 1 vehicle. A vehicle over 3.5 tonnes is classed into Category 3. When a vehicle falls into 2 categories, the lower of the two shall be used.’”

It was argued that a horsebox with permanent living accommodation was a motor home that happened to carry horses and should therefore be charged the lower toll rate.

The reduced toll only applies to horseboxes with permanent living accommodation, including washing and cooking facilities.

27/03/2008 17:28:32