From 1 January, toll prices on the Severn Bridge and Second Severn Crossing have risen, at the same time as some retailers have put up petrol prices.

Given the amount of tax we pay to use the roads, we don't want to pay more to use a crossing Paul Watters, AA

The price for crossing the bridges westbound on the M4 and M48 has gone up 10p for cars and caravans to �4.50.

And the price for small goods vehicles and small buses has risen from �8.90 to �9 and for heavy goods vehicles and buses the toll has risen 20p to �13.50.

Severn River Crossing's (SRC) general manager Jim Clune said the toll increase took place annually in line with the Severn Bridges Act 1992.

'Strict compliance'

He added: "SRC amends the tolls at the start of each year in strict compliance with the Severn Bridges Act 1992 and upon an order from the Secretary of State.

The cost of using the Severn Bridge has risen

"The Act sets down the precise method and base prices for setting toll levels and the adjustment to next year's toll levels, like this year, is accordance with the Retail Price Index."

Paul Watters, head of roads and transport policy at the Automobile Association, said the overall cost of using the roads was affecting some businesses.

He added: "It is difficult for me to get outraged about the Severn Bridge price rises because they are decided every year according to an agreed formula.

"The question is whether the amount we pay overall is fair.

"Given the amount of tax we pay to use the roads, we don't want to pay more to use a crossing.

Petrol rise

"With the rise in petrol prices, it is difficult for people like road hauliers to use the Severn Crossings.

"There is evidence that the toll affects the behaviour of companies in terms of where they locate and there is also evidence of HGV drivers using different routes to avoid the toll."

Supermarket chain Safeway this week became the second major petrol retailer to raise its prices by putting an average of 2p on a litre of unleaded petrol.

The company followed BP who put 1p on their average price amid fears of war in Iraq and production problems in Venezuela.