MPs Push for Cheaper Tamar Tolls at Plymouth Summit

Sixteen million vehicle crossings a year. Thousands of Cornish residents who depend on the bridge and ferry to get to work, school, and hospital appointments. And a row over a fee rise that has refused to go away.

That was the backdrop as Cornwall and Plymouth MPs sat down with councillors and Tamar Crossings representatives at the weekend, trying to thrash out what happens next.

What the summit was about

The Tamar Crossings Spring Summit, held in Plymouth, brought together local MPs Anna Gelderd and Luke Pollard with councillors from the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee and representatives from the Tamar Crossings. Also in the room were Jayne Kirkham MP, Noah Law MP, and Andrew George MP.

Top of the agenda was the call for cheaper tolls for local people, the backlash to the proposed TamarTag administration fee increase, and the longer question of how to keep the crossings financially stable for years to come.

The crossings handle around 16 million vehicle journeys a year and are a lifeline for residents getting to work, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

“I want cheaper tolls for local people”

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, said the crossings were crucial infrastructure for her constituency and the wider region.

“I opposed the recent proposal to increase the TamarTag admin fee because I want cheaper tolls for local people,” she said.

“This summit provided an opportunity to discuss how transport improvements for local people can help unlock economic growth and benefit communities on both sides of the river. We must work as one Team Tamar to secure the long-term future for the crossings and ensure the needs of local people are the top priority. Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising this meeting.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said he and Anna had been clear in their opposition.

“Anna and I have strongly opposed plans to increase the fee for the TamarTag because it is the opposite of delivering cheaper tolls for local people,” he said. “It’s clear the committee have understood this and I’m hopeful for a positive outcome. But there’s a lot more to do.”

The TamarTag fee row

The summit follows a joint letter written by Anna, Luke and Fred opposing the Joint Committee’s proposal to increase the TamarTag admin fee from £0.80 to £2.00 per month.

That proposal drew strong backlash from residents. The Joint Committee has since launched a consultation and committed to fully investigating the impact of any rise, while conducting a fresh search for savings.

The results of that consultation will go back to the Committee on 26th June.

Pressure in Westminster too

Last week Anna also raised estuary crossings in Parliament during a Business Question session. She has secured a ministerial meeting on the issue and is expected to update residents on the outcome shortly.

📷Cllr Andrew Long, Cllr John Stephens, Luke Pollard MP, Anna Gelderd MP, Cllr Anne Freeman, and Cllr Dan Rogerson (L to R)