Proposed Increase to Tamar Tag Admin Fee Explained

Tamar Crossings has released more detail about the proposed rise in the Tamar Tag administration fee after a surge in public concern. The proposal, which forms part of the wider 2025/26 budget, would see the monthly fee move from 80p to £2.00. It has received initial approval from the Joint Committee and will now go to Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council for final consideration.

Tamar Crossings says it understands why many people are worried about any increase and has outlined why the change has been put forward, what the existing fee covers and how the public can continue to have their say.

Why the Fee Increase Has Been Proposed

The Tamar Tag admin fee has stayed at 80p since 2014. Tamar Crossings says this is no longer sustainable after more than a decade of rising costs. Even with the proposed increase, the fee still will not cover the full cost of running the scheme.

According to Tamar Crossings, the fee helps fund several key areas.

Tag equipment and postage
Around £250,000 per year goes on new tags and holders, which are provided free to new account holders. A further £50,000 a year is spent on postage, including to customers who cannot collect their tags in person.

Customer support staff at the crossing
Staff provide in-person help for users experiencing issues with their tags or account balances.

Customer service teams
More than 90,000 Tamar Tags are active. The team handles applications, top ups, queries and account maintenance.

Digital systems and banking charges
The online Tamar Tag system, web hosting, licensing and payment processing are all ongoing costs.

Replacement tags
Many tags are not returned when users no longer need them. Returned tags can be reused, but replacements must be bought when they are not sent back.

Tamar Crossings also addressed a key misconception, stating the admin fee is not profit making and only helps recover part of the running costs.

Support for Regular Users

Tamar Tag users currently receive a 50 percent discount on toll crossings. This is significantly higher than other schemes, such as the Humber Bridge at 10 percent and the Dartford Crossing at 20 percent. Tamar Crossings says it continues to offer this higher rate because the crossings are essential for thousands of people each day.

Aiming for a Toll Free Future

The Joint Committee says it remains committed to pursuing a toll free crossing. The process is complex and will take time, but the aim is still in place. For now, Tamar Crossings says the service must remain safe, reliable and financially sustainable.

What Senior Figures Are Saying

Philip Robinson, Chief Officer, Tamar Crossings, said:
“I remain committed to driving down the operating costs of the Tamar Crossings, where it is safe and compliant to do so. This requires greater transparency with those who rely on the crossing each day. Part of this process is ensuring that services are self-funding, which the tag system is not and has effectively been making a loss.”

Councillor Anne Freeman, Joint Committee Co-Chair, said:
“Whilst it is disappointing that the TAG admin fee needs to be increased, the cost of running the scheme must be covered. We recognise that this is concerning, especially coming so soon after the Toll increase earlier this year. Plymouth and Cornwall Joint Committee members are committed to pursuing what we believe to be the right course of action, which is Toll Free crossing. We are working alongside MP’s and Parent Authorities with regards to this. We are also exploring all options to look at reducing costs and how income can be maximised from other sources (not the Toll). We face a critical year ahead with recent changes to the Joint Committee, returning a balanced budget to both Parent Authorities and exploring Open Road Tolling further. Our Joint Committee is firmly behind our direction of being more open and transparent and we will be ensuring that meaningful engagement is undertaken with Stakeholders, local groups, Crossing users and the local Town Councils”

Councillor Andrew Long, Joint Committee Co-Chair, said:
“I am disappointed that Tamar Crossings are having to increase the Administration Fee for Tag Users. At a time when everyone is suffering from increased costs, this disproportionately adversely affects people from South East Cornwall, many of whom have no alternative but to use the Ferry and Bridge to access vital services in Plymouth. It remains the view of the Committee that the only long-term solution to this is to get a Toll Free crossing of the Tamar and we are pushing for the two authorities, the MPs and the UK Government to get a solution in place as soon as possible.
In addition, we are acutely aware that some of the worst affected are people who only use the Tag to access the hospital at Derriford and in the New Year we will be asking Tamar Crossings to see what can be done to support these people who should be able to access the NHS without a charge but this is currently not the case.
Finally, we will be working with the officers to continue to drill down on costs to run both services and, at the same time, explore other areas of revenue earning that do not penalise the users of the service.”

Have Your Say

Tamar Crossings stresses that this proposal is part of a democratic process. Members of the public are encouraged to share their views with their elected council representatives before the final decision is made.

The organisation says it welcomes feedback and wants residents to feel informed and heard throughout the process.

Background to the Crossings

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee was formed by five councillors from each of the two Joint Authorities. The partnership began in 1950, when Cornwall County Council and Plymouth City Council constructed the Tamar Bridge. They also took joint control of the Torpoint Ferry, bringing both major crossings under one governing body.

The Visitor and Learning Centre, Bridging the Tamar, opened in 2019 and showcases the heritage of the Tamar Bridge and Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge.

Both the bridge and the ferry remain vital to the transport infrastructure of Plymouth and South East Cornwall, supporting the region’s economic wellbeing.