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 from the application and the Public Local Inquiry, 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 that 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 decision will mean a cash toll of £3.00 for cars. The discounts for pre-paid crossings using the TamarTag scheme will continue to be 50% of the full toll, resulting in a tag toll for cars and vans of £1.50. Tolls for other vehicles will broadly increase pro rata.
The Department of 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 Inspector’s Report and Decision Letter have been uploaded to the website here Inspectors Report and Decison Letter