MPs and Tamar Bridge bosses hope for locals' toll

The move comes as charges could rise for drivers crossing the Tamar Bridge

MPs on both the Devon and Cornwall sides of the Tamar Bridge have agreed to push the government for a revised toll system, which would offer cheaper charges for local residents.

In a joint statement, MPs Anna Gelderd, Fred Thomas and Luke Pollard said they would work alongside the chairs of the Tamar Crossings Joint Committee to get the legislation needed through.

Martin Worth, co-chair of the joint committee, told the BBC they would be "working towards" getting the changes within the lifespan of the current government.

He said: "This is not tomorrow, and I must stress that. This is primary legislation, this is to the level of a King's Speech."

The change would mean that those with a Tamar Tag would benefit from cheaper tolls

The joint committee is also awaiting a decision from the government on hiking the current charges from £2.60 to £3 for cars and vans and from £1.30 to £1.50 for electronic Tamar Tag holders.

That proposed change by the cash-strapped bridge authority has led to protests by local people and firms who have to cross the bridge to do work and do business.

The MPs and joint committee are calling for the difference between cash fares and the Tamar Tag, which is commonly used by local people and regular users, to be increased.

It would mean that those with a Tamar Tag would benefit from cheaper tolls with tourists, visitors and irregular travellers paying more.

'Shouldered the burden'

Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry tolls are payable by people travelling from Cornwall into Devon. There are no charges travelling the other way.

Gelderd, Labour MP South East Cornwall, said: "For decades, local residents in South East Cornwall have unfairly shouldered the burden of Tamar Crossings tolls, and I stand with them in their opposition."

Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said it was a "serious proposal that will safeguard income to run the bridge and the ferry, as well as saving local people money and giving them the lion's share of the benefits".

Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, said the aim was to "deliver cheaper tolls for local people, securing the future of the crossings and giving our communities a fair deal".