TOURISM in Herefordshire and the Wye Valley could be set for a boost after the removal of the Seven Bridge tolls on Monday, December 17.

Tolls, which are currently £5.60 per car for those travelling from England into Wales, have been a fundamental part of the crossing since the first bridge opened on September 8, 1966.

Following the toll abolition, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism is predicting that day visitors to the region could increase by as much as 15% next year, translating to almost an additional one million day trips and £30.2 million in anticipated visitor spend.

The area currently welcomes around 6.2 million day visitors spending an estimated £187 million.

“Anecdotal evidence from our members has shown how the toll created a barrier to so many considering the region as a day trip destination from areas such as Bristol, South Gloucestershire and further afield in Wiltshire and the Mendips.

"These are the people whom we will be focusing our message on first, families, day trippers and adventurers,” added Helen O’Kane, co-chairman of Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism.

Commuters, who spend around £1,500 each year in tolls, will also have more disposable income to filter back into the local economy.

And with uncertainties over Brexit and the current political turmoil, the expectation is that people will stay closer to home and be more cautious with their spending.

"The predicted increases in bridge crossings following the lifting of the toll (11K per day across both bridges), make our target of 1 million extra visitors achievable,” said Helen O’Kane.