Anne Freeman and Andrew Long Elected as Joint Chairs of Tamar Crossings Committee

New Chairs Elected to Lead Crossings Committee

Plymouth City Councillor Anne Freeman and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long have been elected unopposed as the new Joint Chairs of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee.

Their appointments were confirmed at the first meeting of the committee since the May 2025 elections.

Andrew Long: Determined to Scrap the Tolls

Andrew, who has represented Callington and the surrounding areas on Cornwall Council since 2009, first entered public office in 1999 when he was co-opted to Callington Town Council. He went on to serve on Caradon District Council from 2007, before its transition to Cornwall Council two years later. His current division includes Callington, Kelly Bray and St Dominic.

In a clear statement of intent, Andrew said:

“The Tamar Crossings are incredibly important for communities on both sides of the river who rely on the bridge and the ferries to get to work, school and access services. The location of the main hospital for this part of the peninsula in Derriford means tens of thousands of people have to use the facilities to access health services. We recognise the challenges recent increases in tolls have created for local residents and businesses and I am determined to work with partners to find a viable and sustainable future for the services in Saltash and Torpoint.”

He added:

“I have never hidden my desire to see tolls removed on both the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, and for National Highways to pay their way in the future and I will be working towards that end which will benefit the people of Plymouth and South East Cornwall. This has not changed and I will continue to press for a solution that does not penalise the residents who have to use the Bridge and Ferry — those who have no choice.”

Anne Freeman: Calls for Unity and Practical Decision-Making

Anne, who was first elected to Plymouth City Council in 2024 to represent Devonport Ward, has taken on a number of roles since joining. In addition to sitting on the Joint Committee, she also serves as Vice Chair of the Taxi Licensing Committee and is a member of the Planning and Housing and Communities Scrutiny Committees.

Anne said she was proud to be nominated as a Joint Chair:

“Both crossings are essential – both for the people who use them every day and the communities which surround them on both sides of the river.”

She also called for a collaborative approach:

“I spent my first 12 months as a member of the Joint Committee listening and learning. This is a very exciting and important time for Tamar Crossings and the Joint Committee and I am looking forward to working with staff, officers, elected members, partners and local communities to seize the opportunities and address the challenges facing the crossings and securing their future.”

Anne emphasised the importance of leaving party politics out of the committee’s decision-making process:

“While individual councillors will hold different political views, I would like to see party politics left at the door with decisions made on what is best for the Bridge and the Ferry and the local residents and businesses who rely on them.”

What Happens Next?

The election of Andrew and Anne brings together experienced voices from both sides of the Tamar. With growing concerns about toll increases and long-term funding for the crossings, many will be watching closely to see what action the Joint Committee takes under its new leadership.

For residents and businesses in Saltash, Torpoint, Plymouth and across South East Cornwall, the future of the bridge and ferry services remains a crucial topic — and one now in the hands of two people who say they are determined to act.