MPs and Councillors Unite on Cheaper Tolls for Local People on Tamar Crossings

Plan Aims to Cut Costs for Regular Users Over the Next Decade

Local MPs and the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee have reached a breakthrough agreement to prioritise cheaper tolls for local people rather than visitors. The decision, made today (Friday 7th March), sets out a long-term plan to increase the benefits for regular users of the bridge and ferry.

Bigger Savings for Tamar Tag Holders

The new approach will expand the existing Tamar Tag discount over the next ten years, making the cost gap between regular and occasional users even wider. The Joint Committee reaffirmed its commitment to easing the financial burden for those who rely on the crossings daily for work, school, and essential services.

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, and Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, have worked with the Joint Committee’s chairs, Councillor Martin Worth of Cornwall Council and Councillor Jon Dingle of Plymouth City Council, to secure the agreement.

Luke Pollard welcomed the move, saying:

“It’s about time that local people were put first, with a ten-year commitment for cheaper tolls for local people on the Tamar Crossings.

“This is a serious proposal that will safeguard income to run the bridge and the ferry, as well as saving local people money and giving them the lion’s share of the benefits.”

Fred Thomas added:

“For far too long, the Tamar Crossings have been used as a political football, but no longer.

“For the first time, we are working cross-party to deliver cheaper tolls for local people, securing the future of the Crossings and giving our communities a fair deal.”

A Long-Awaited Fairer System

Anna Gelderd highlighted how residents in South East Cornwall have carried the financial weight of the Tamar tolls for decades. She called the agreement an important step in fixing the long-standing issue:

“For decades, local residents in South East Cornwall have unfairly shouldered the burden of Tamar Crossings tolls, and I stand with them in their opposition. This is a long-standing issue that requires a serious, long-term plan to ensure a fairer system for those who rely on the bridge and ferry services.

“Today is an important first step forward in securing a stable future for these vital crossings. By working together on both sides of the Tamar, in Westminster, and in local government, we can deliver a fairer deal for our communities.”

Awaiting Government Approval

The decision is now awaiting government approval on toll rates. In the meantime, the Joint Committee has made it clear that securing additional government funding and a long-term strategy is a priority.

Councillors Martin Worth and Jon Dingle emphasised their commitment to protecting local users:

“We recognise the importance of the crossings to the people and communities who rely on them to get to work, school and access health and other services.

“We have continued to press both the current and previous governments for more funding to keep services running and enable the public to cross the Tamar safely.

“The Joint Committee are committed to improving the benefits for local users of the crossings and wish to build on the current TAG discount of 50%. This includes introducing RPI to smooth out the spikes and unpredictability of Toll Revisions. We welcome the opportunity to work with our local MPs, parent authorities, the Peninsula Transport Board and the Government to develop a strategy and policy to deliver these benefits and make the necessary changes to legislation that will allow this to happen.”

With political and local authority support now aligned, all eyes are on the government’s response to finalise the next steps in delivering lower tolls for local people.