Anna Gelderd MP Raises Tamar Toll Concerns in Parliament

Tamar Tolls Under Fire as MP Takes Fight to Parliament

Anna Gelderd MP has taken the issue of Tamar tolls to Parliament, calling for cheaper crossings for people living in South East Cornwall.

Yesterday evening, Anna held a debate on tolled crossings and regional connectivity, setting out the case for reducing costs for those who rely on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry to reach Plymouth and the rest of Devon.

Only Viable Crossings for Thousands

The Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry are the only practical crossings linking South East Cornwall with Plymouth and beyond. Around 16 million vehicle crossings take place each year, with thousands of residents depending on them daily to access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.

With no realistic alternative direct route, Anna described the crossings as essential infrastructure rather than optional routes.

Defence Investment and Regional Connectivity

During the debate, Anna highlighted the Plymouth defence deal as a significant opportunity. She said tolled crossings act as enabling infrastructure for defence, skills, productivity and resilience, and argued that addressing tolls alongside defence investment would align local fairness with national priorities.

She called for the right financial support and necessary powers to be put in place to allow progress on the issue.

Support from MPs Across the Area

The debate was attended by MPs from surrounding constituencies, including Fred Thomas MP, Noah Law MP, Perran Moon MP, Jayne Kirkham MP and Ben Maguire MP.

Fred, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, spoke during the debate and said regional connectivity, including tolled crossings between South East Cornwall and Plymouth, is integral to national defence.

Luke Pollard MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, also backed cheaper tolls, while noting that a long term settlement would take time and require joint working between MPs.

Thanks to Campaigners and Community Groups

Anna thanked local residents, community groups including the Tamar Tolls Action Group and Safe 38, previous MPs, local councillors and Tamar Crossings for their united efforts to push for improvements to the local transport network.

She also stressed that people in South East Cornwall are affected not only by physical infrastructure but by digital connectivity too. With reliance on major routes such as the A38 and vulnerable rail links like the stretch at Dawlish, Anna said upgrading infrastructure remains vital for communities across the far South West.

Previous Action on TamarTag Fees

Anna has previously worked alongside Luke and Fred to challenge a proposal by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee to increase the TamarTag admin fee from £0.80 to £2.00 per month.

Following public backlash and pressure from local MPs, a letter was sent to the Committee in December urging it to reconsider and ensure any changes were properly justified, consulted on, clearly communicated and mindful of the impact on local communities.

The Committee has since confirmed it will fully investigate the impact of any increase and carry out a new search for savings.

Determined to Keep Pushing

Anna said:
“I know just how important delivering cheaper tolls for local people is for residents in South East Cornwall. People shouldn’t be prevented from accessing essential services just because they live on the Cornish side of the Tamar.

“I held this important debate in Parliament to platform the wide-ranging issues the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry create and bring this directly to Ministers and colleagues from across the political divide. I am determined to deliver cheaper tolls for local people and will continue to raise this issue locally and in Parliament.”

She confirmed she will continue working with stakeholders across the far South West and in Parliament to push for cheaper tolls for local people.