Torpoint ferry could be cut, says Labour

'UNFUNDED TOLL FREEZES MAY JEOPARDISE TAMAR CROSSINGS'

- CLARE AINSWORTH

UNFUNDED freezes to tolls for the Tamar crossings would force operators into cutting one of the three Torpoint ferries from service, Plymouth’s Labour Party has claimed.

Conservative MPs Johnny Mercer (Plymouth Moor View) and Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) have formed a campaign which aims to freeze the tolls, which are this year rising to £3 for cars, or £1.50 with a prepaid Tamar Tag. They blame mismanagement of the crossings for the need to raise the tolls.

Ms Murray presented a petition, which she said had been signed by 6,300 people, to the House of Commons on Tuesday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not committed to funding from central Government, which would enable the freeze, despite being challenged on the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions last month.

Plymouth Labour say, without funding, the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee, the crossings’ governing body, would be forced into cutting one of the three Torpoint ferries from service to save money. The Tories say the joint committee has wasted money on projects, including new offices.