Tamar tolls meeting called for by new MP

Labour MP for South East Cornwall said the tolls were a key concern for constituents

One of Cornwall's new MPs has asked for a meeting with the transport secretary to discuss Tamar crossing tolls.

Anna Gelderd, who won the South East Cornwall seat for Labour at the general election, said on Facebook she had written to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.

Ms Gelderd said she had promised to bring up the Tamar bridge and Torpoint Ferry tolls, which are set to rise for cars and vans from £2.60 to £3.00 or from £1.30 to £1.50 for Tamar Tag users later this year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had received Ms Gelderd's letter and was considering the points raised.

In May, Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council - who both run the crossing through the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee - said the tolls for the crossings would increase by November.

The proposed changes require formal approval from the transport secretary.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council have proposed raising the tolls to cross the Tamar

In her letter, Ms Gelderd said the toll prices were a key concern for locals.

She said: "The tolls are a growing economic barrier, with rising costs impacting access to essential services and business investment.

"The recent proposed 15% increase amounts to a 100% rise over the last four years, affecting every journey from my constituency into the city of Plymouth."

'Lifeline to communities'

Ms Gelderd added the current toll system on the bridge causes heavy congestion and said the government should "carefully consider" its next steps around the tolls.

"South East Cornwall has made it clear they want change, putting their trust in a Labour MP for the first time," she said.

"I do not underestimate this mandate and write to you in that spirit.

"The Tamar Crossings are much more than simply a bridge and ferry service, they are lifelines for our communities."

A DfT spokesperson said: "We have received Anna Gelderd’s letter and are considering the points raised before responding in due course."