Fight to abolish Tamar tolls continues

Transport secretary approves increases

An increase in tolls to cross the Tamar has been given the go-ahead by the transport secretary, but lobbying continues to get charges abolished.

Following a public enquiry by an independent inspector last October, the cash toll for cars will increase from £2.60 to £3 and from £1.30 to £1.50 for pre-paid Tamar Tag scheme users

An application to the government for a toll revision was made by The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee (TBTFJC).

Secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander agreed the proposals were justified.

The crossings are managed by the committee on behalf of Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council and tolls make up over 90 per cent of its income.

With user numbers not returning to pre-covid levels and rising costs, the committee says it has a £44 million debt which is growing by £200,000 a month.

It wants to see greater discounts for local people and tolls to rise in line with inflation to prevent large increases. Ultimately it wants the bridge to be financed by the government and tolls abolished.

The  inspector who conducted the enquiry called the evidence supporting the need for a rise “compelling” and accepted that unless the crossings are government funded future, prices would inevitably go up.

They said the deficit was identified some time ago but government support wasn’t forthcoming.

“Unless and until the ownership and funding arrangement are changed, which would require legislative change and an unknown amount of time, the situation remains that income must pay for the running of the crossings.”

Joint chair of the committee Martin Worth (Con, Saltash Trematon and Landrake) said he knew the price rise would not sit well with people and he is sympathetic.

“We were reluctant to make this application but at least now we have some clarity and we can move forward.

“We know people want the crossings to be free and for the first time in 60 years we have a plan, Tamar 2050, which includes looking at the abolition of tolls.”

MPs on both the Devon and Cornwall sides of the Tamar Bridge have agreed to push the government for a revised system, which would offer cheaper charges for local residents.

Cllr Worth said the government’s devolution deal with Wales saw an end to the tolls on the Severn crossings and he hopes for the same thing for Devon and Cornwall.

He said times had changed and councils are encouraging people to use public transport or cycle instead of drive.

“Yet if we do this our revenue goes down,” he said. “We need a primary level agreement here or a King’s Speech, we need the funding arrangement to change.”

In the letter about the decision, the Department for Transport said the secretary of state accepted that the proposed increases were necessary and proportionate and that without them the services would not be sustainable.

Cllr Worth said it would be at least 28 days before the rates increase.

Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard said: “Now we have a tolls decision from the government, it must be full steam ahead in implementing cheaper tolls for local people.

“Those who use the crossings must have cheaper tolls compared to visitors. We have an agreement, so now it’s time for action.”

Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, agreed and said this “modest increase” is necessary to maintain the bridge and ferry.

Anna Gelderd, South East Cornwall’s Labour MP, said: “Following the government’s decision, we must focus on delivering for local residents and businesses in South East Cornwall, who are disproportionately affected. The Tamar bridge and ferry services are a lifeline and while they must remain operational, residents deserve a fair deal.”