TOLLS for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are set to rise.

The decision comes following a public inquiry in October 2024 in Plymouth, which assess the financial sustainability of the crossings, linking Devon with Cornwall.

Despite major concerns from local residents and businesses, the government has approved the increases, citing the need to secure the long-term operation of these vital transport links.

Tolls will rise for all vehicles, with fares for cars and vans to go up from £2.60 to £3, while fares for Tamar Tag holders will rise from £1.30 to £1.50.

In a letter sent on behalf of the Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander MP, to Andrew Vallance, Governance and Finance Manager for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee, it notes how she agrees with the conclusions of the Inspector, Simon Dean, that the proposed increases are necessary to ensure the continued operation of the crossings.

She also agrees the final evidence is clear that with the crossings being run as directed by the parent local authorities (Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council), income is required. The current level of income is insufficient.

The Secretary of State also notes and agrees with the Inspector’s conclusion that the crossings must be self-financing whilst providing a safe, efficient and reliable service.

Toll income makes up over 90 per cent of the company income. This is currently insufficient to meet the expenditure necessary to provide safe, reliable and efficient crossings.

Following the decision on Tuesday, the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee released the following statement: “Last year the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee took the decision to submit a formal application to the Government to revise tolls to secure the long- term future of the two crossings.

“A Public Local Inquiry into the application, led by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport, was held in October 2024.

“Having considered the evidence, together with the feedback from the public consultation, the Secretary of State for Transport has approved the application.

“In the letter advising the decision, the Department for Transport said the Secretary of State accepted that the proposed increases are necessary and proportionate. A copy of the Inspector’s report is available to view on our website.

“The discounts for pre-paid crossings using the TamarTag scheme will continue to be 50 per cent of the full toll. Tolls for other vehicles will broadly increase pro rata.

“The Department for Transport will now complete the legal process necessary for a formal Toll Order. This process can take a little time. When completed, we will seek to increase rates as soon as practical after we have full authority to do so.

‘Work is also taking place to develop a strategy and policy to deliver improved benefits for local people and make the necessary changes to legislation that will allow this to happen. This will include continuing to pursue the ability to apply RPI to tolls and smooth out the spikes and unpredictability of Toll Revisions, as well as seeking cheaper tolls for local people.”

The Secretary of State’s decision has not sat well with representatives from the Tamar Toll Action Group.

Via their own Facebook page, they wrote: “It is with great disappointment we advise that on the same day the government commits £9billion of public money to another Thames crossing, it also announces it cannot find a single penny to support hard pressed people in the South West and therefore approves the Toll Revision Application to increase the Tamar Toll Tax by a further 15 per cent.

“This constitutes a 100 per cent rise in four years and a 650 per cent rise in the last three decades. Four times the rate of inflation over the same period.”

MP for South East Cornwall, Anna Gelderd, said: “The decision is difficult for local residents and businesses, and I share their disappointment. I stood with residents in the opposition to this increase at the public inquiry. These crossings must remain operational as they represent a lifeline for our community.

“I believe we need the powers to control these crossings locally, not held in Westminster. I will continue to work on a longer-term solution with the Department of Transport, the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee, Tamar Crossings, residents and businesses.

“Part of this longer-term solution must be a rapid rollout of cheaper tolls for local people compared to visitors. Residents and businesses in South East Cornwall deserve a fair deal.”

A programme called Tamar 2050 looking at how to increase income from the bridge includes a plan to remove toll booths and barriers and bring in ‘open road tolling’ using automatic number plate recognition to improve traffic flow. The £16million cost of the new system would be met by government.

Members of the committee have voted to continue with the work to pursue the ability to apply RPI (Retail Price Index) to tolls, but say this must be done in tandem with a 10-year strategy to secure cheaper tolls for locals.

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Now we have a tolls decision from the government, it must be full steam ahead in implementing cheaper tolls for local people. Those who use the crossings must have cheaper tolls compared to visitors. We have an agreement, so now it’s time for action.”

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, added: “This modest increase is necessary to maintain the bridge and ferry. However, work is well underway to introduce cheaper tolls for local people. It was approved by the joint committee earlier this year and we are now working with government to make it happen as soon as possible.”