Part IIOperation of Severn Bridges

Introductory

4Concession agreement

1

Where (either before or after the passing of this Act) the Secretary of State enters into an agreement with a person for the construction by that person of the new bridge (whether or not together with any other of the scheduled works), the agreement may also provide—

a

for the power to levy tolls in respect of use of the bridges which is conferred on the Secretary of State by section 5 below to be exercisable by that person in accordance with section 6 below, and

b

for all relevant functions, or so many of them as may be specified in the agreement, to be exercisable by that person in accordance with section 15 below.

2

In this Act—

a

“the concessionaire” means the person with whom the Secretary of State enters into an agreement making the provision mentioned in subsection (1) above, and

b

“concession agreement” means an agreement making the provision mentioned in subsection (1) above (together with any agreement supplementing it).

3

In this Act “relevant functions” means functions of the Secretary of State—

a

with respect to the maintenance and improvement of, or other dealing with—

i

the bridges or the highways carried by them, or

ii

the toll plaza areas or the highways within them,

b

with respect to any land which may be acquired by the Secretary of State in exercise of any of his powers under Part XII of the [1980 c. 66.] Highways Act 1980 in relation to any highway or other area within paragraph (a) above, and

c

under sections 29 and 30 below,

other than the power to levy tolls.