A NEW system for keeping the Old Severn Bridge open during high winds and bad weather could be in place by the winter.

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain wrote to Monmouth MP Huw Edwards after he raised a number of concerns about frequent closures of the bridge last winter.

Mr Hain said consideration is being given to a new system for opening and closing the bridge, together with the possible segregation of vehicles during periods of high winds.

A revised protocol is also being developed, says Mr Hain, which will allow closures to be carried out by police when specific wind speed criteria are met, rather than leaving it to their own judgement.

It is hoped the system will be in place by the October, before the winter when high winds are usually expected.

Mr Edwards said: "Persistent temporary closures of the M48 bridge have caused considerable disruption to local people who regularly use the bridge to commute to and from work.

"The M48 Severn Crossing is an important transport link for many local businesses and frequent closures of the bridge have a damaging impact on the local economy of Chepstow and the Wye Valley."

He added: "I have been representing the views of people in Monmouthshire since temporary closures of the M48 bridge became frequent last year. I am pleased progress is being made and I will be following developments closely."