Could Tamar Tag Fees Change? Public Consultation Gets Green Light

The Tamar Crossings Joint Committee has agreed to begin a public consultation on the Tamar Tag monthly account administration fee, following an Extraordinary Meeting held on Monday 12th January.

Members confirmed that no decision will be made on changing the fee until the consultation and engagement exercise has taken place. During this period, the Tamar Tag monthly administration fee will remain at 80 pence.

Consultation Before Any Decision

The consultation will give residents, Tamar Tag users and other stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on future options, including a proposed increase to the fee. A budget of up to £10,000 has been approved to deliver the exercise, funded from existing allocations. The findings will be reported back to a future meeting of the Joint Committee.

Long Term Aim for Cheaper or Free Crossings

Committee members reiterated a shared aspiration for the crossings to be cheaper for local people and, in the long term, free. Particular reference was made to residents of South East Cornwall, who have historically been considered disadvantaged by the charge.

However, members acknowledged that removing tolls or reducing costs significantly would require external funding or full cost recovery for both the ferry and bridge. This funding would be needed to cover essential maintenance and long term investment.

Call for Government Support

The Joint Chairs will now write to MPs representing Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Plymouth Moor View, South East Cornwall and North Cornwall, as well as the Secretary of State for Transport.

Those being contacted include Anna Gelderd, Fred Thomas, Luke Pollard and Ben Maguire.

They will be asked to consider what support central government could provide to the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferries, including the introduction of a Devon and Cornwall Infrastructure Revenue Grant of £499,999 per year.

The crossings are currently funded entirely by tolls, with no central government support, despite the Tamar Bridge forming part of key highway routes between Devon and Cornwall.

Financial Pressures Highlighted

The Joint Committee has a legal duty to deliver a balanced budget and maintain a prudent reserve of £3 million. Current reserves are forecast to fall below £1.4 million by March 2026. Without action, the budget is expected to move into deficit in the years that follow if the crossings continue to operate at a loss.

Encouraging Public Involvement

Chief Officer Philip Robinson, who will lead the consultation, said:

“I welcome the opportunity to consult with users of the crossings and local residents and provide some further detail and context over the proposal to increase the Tag Administration fee, as well as detail around the alternatives to raising income. I encourage everyone to get involved. In the meantime, our work to reduce operating costs will continue at pace.”

The Joint Committee has described the consultation as a chance for open and meaningful dialogue, aimed at balancing affordability for local people with the need to maintain safe, reliable and sustainable crossing services for the future.