Debate over Tamar crossing tag admin charge rise

A proposed 150% increase to the monthly admin fee to cross the Tamar Bridge and use the Torpoint Ferry is to be debated at an extraordinary meeting.

MPs and councillors have been largely critical of the proposed increase for people who regularly cross the River Tamar for work, education and Derriford hospital appointments.

The proposed increase from 80p to £2 a month for users of the Tamar Crossings TAG discount scheme was discussed seven months after toll fees rose to plug a hole in the finances.

Members of the Tamar Bridge & Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee backed the increase but will debate the proposal at a Plymouth City Council meeting, which is provisionally set for 12 January.

Andrew Long, of Cornwall Council, and Anne Freeman, of Plymouth City Council, who are joint chairs of the committee, said they were concerned the recommendation to increase the charge needed more scrutiny.

Any recommendations will go to both councils in February as part of their budget setting processes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Tamar Toll Action Group, which wants tolls abolished, said the admin fee rise would not be good for “any resident or business reliant on crossing the Tamar to go about their daily lives”.

Labour MPs Anna Gelderd, (South East Cornwall) Luke Pollard (Plymouth Sutton and Devonport) and Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View) signed a letter urging the committee to reconsider the decision.

They want councillors to ensure changes are “fully justified, consulted on, communicated transparently” and considered the impact on local communities.

Keith Johnson, Reform UK councillor for Saltash Tamar, said the increase is “unjustified, unaffordable, undemocratic”.

A spokesperson for Tamar Crossings said the monthly charge has stayed at 80p since 2014, despite significant rises in running costs.

“Even with the proposed increase to £2 per month, the fee still does not cover the full cost of operating the Tamar Tag scheme.”

They added: “We recognise the essential role of the crossings in everyday life for thousands of local people. Tamar Tag users currently receive a 50 percent reduction on the price of toll crossings – far higher than comparable schemes at other crossings.”