O n the morning of Thursday, May 28, 2009, I left my Bristol home in my car, aiming for Portishead.

Having my mind preoccupied with a family bereavement, I found myself on the Severn Bridge instead of the M5.

At the toll kiosks, after explaining the situation, I was hoping for a bit of human empathy, to be allowed to make a turn. Unfortunately I was dealing with a robot whose memory could not read beyond money.

Desperate to avoid more delay in getting to my appointment, I surrendered to the toll charge for the purpose of making a turn only. But regrettably, I had no cash for this unplanned bridge crossing and card payment method for the emergency circumstances like mine do not exist from your side.

As a result, you are punishing me by 100 per cent interest charges on the initial charge which would increase to £90.40 if the payment reaches you a few days later.

I do fully understand that this day robbery has been legalised, approved by our honest MPs probably.

I'm conscious that under a system where right is measured by wealth, I have no power to stop this victimisation; there is no law to defend me. So I put my hands up, once again you have succeeded.

But we are both well aware this way of treating the powerless is unfair, immoral and inhuman, promoting injustice in society.

I strongly believe that injustice might work in some times but won't last for ever and those who plant wind, eventually harvest a storm.

Houri Ghamian

REPLY

Unfortunately, the legislation that governs the Severn Crossings (the Severn Bridges Act 1992) precludes payment by card and requires cash only.

The relevant Government department is working with us to change this situation but changes to legislation take time. It is difficult to distinguish between bona fide emergencies and those who deliberately arrive at the tolls without cash – having driven past the signs that indicate cards are not accepted. If the gentleman in question writes to us, we will respond in a sympathetic manner.

Jim Clune, General Manager, Severn River Crossing PLC.