Efforts are underway to make crossing the Tamar more affordable for Plymouth and Cornwall motorists. Politicians from various political backgrounds have united in support of increasing the savings offered by the TamarTag discount as tolls are expected to rise this year.

Members of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee today announced what they described as a “breakthrough agreement” to provide cheaper tolls for local residents – rather than visitors – using the bridge and ferry. Over the next decade, the aim is to offer even larger savings for locals who regularly use the crossings, by increasing the relative discount of the TamarTag compared to the cash fare paid by infrequent travellers.

Last year, the committee applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for approval to raise tolls by 15.4%. If approved, this will increase the toll for cars from £2.60 to £3.00. However, discounts for prepaid crossings using the TamarTag scheme will remain at 50% of the full toll, meaning the tag toll for cars and vans will rise from £1.30 to £1.50. This concession, however, is not part of the formal toll order.

While waiting for the government’s decision on toll rates, which is expected soon, the joint committee has decided to progressively widen the gap between the cash tolls and the TamarTag tolls. This will create a greater savings incentive for tag users when tolls are revised, typically every five years.

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Sutton and Devonport, highlighted that over 90% of TamarTag users are from Devon or Cornwall and frequently use the bridge. He stated: “It’s about local people getting more of a benefit. Over time, there will be a bigger gap, not keeping it stuck at 50%, but growing the difference between cash payments and the tag.”

Pollard, along with Labour MPs Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) and Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View), as well as joint committee chairs Cllr Martin Worth (Conservative, Cornwall Council) and Cllr Jon Dingle (Labour, Plymouth City Council), agreed that this proposal represents a significant step forward for local residents.

Thomas emphasized: “For far too long, the Tamar crossings have been used as a political football, but no longer. This is the first time we’re working cross-party to deliver cheaper tolls for locals, ensuring a fairer deal and securing the future of the crossings.”

Gelderd also voiced her support, stating: “For decades, local residents in South East Cornwall have unfairly shouldered the burden of Tamar crossing 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.”

The proposed toll increases were approved by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council last year and are currently awaiting approval from the Transport Secretary. A public inquiry was held in Plymouth in October, where the committee argued that the crossings were running at a loss and were unsustainable without additional income. Future improvements and potential new ferries may also require funding.

While some protesters, including the Tamar Toll Action Group, have opposed toll hikes, calling for the removal of all tolls, the joint committee remains focused on ensuring the future of the crossings and securing a fair deal for local communities. There is also a suggestion to link future toll increases to inflation rates, rather than revising them every five years.

In a joint statement, Cllr Worth and Cllr Dingle affirmed: “The joint committee is committed to improving the benefits for local users and wishes to build on the current 50% discount. We aim to introduce RPI (Retail Price Index) to smooth out the fluctuations and unpredictability of toll revisions.”

Both councillors expressed their eagerness to collaborate with MPs, local authorities, the Peninsula Transport Board, and the government to develop a strategy that ensures these benefits are realized and that necessary changes to legislation are made to allow these changes.