Tamar and Torpoint toll increase given go-ahead

COST TO CROSS THE TAMAR IS SET TO RISE TO £3 WITHOUT A TAG

- By ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

AN increase in tolls to cross the Tamar has been given the go-ahead by the transport secretary, but lobbying continues to get charges abolished.

Following a public enquiry by an independent inspector last October, the cash toll for cars will increase from £2.60 to £3 and from £1.30 to £1.50 for pre-paid Tamar Tag scheme users.

An application to the government for a toll revision was made by The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee (TBTFJC).

Secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander agreed the proposals were justified.

The crossings are managed by the committee on behalf of Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council and tolls make up over 90 per cent of its income.

With user numbers not returning to pre-covid levels and rising costs, the committee says it has a £44 million debt which is growing by £200,000 a month. It wants to see greater discounts for local people and tolls to rise in line with inflation to prevent large increases.