Tamar and Torpoint tolls set to rise after joint committee vote

The increase still needs to be approved by both councils and the secretary of state for transport

Councillors have voted to recommend an increase in tolls for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.

The Tamar Crossings Joint Committee has approved a recommendation for the toll to rise to £3 for cash, and £1.50 for tag payments.

The rise is the lowest amount the committee could vote for and still needs approval by both councils and the secretary of state for transport.

Earlier, protesters called for tolls to be entirely abolished.

The Tamar Bridge links Saltash, Cornwall, and Plymouth, Devon, while the Torpoint Ferry crosses a stretch of water linking Devonport, Plymouth, and Torpoint in Cornwall.

The protest took place in Plymouth ahead of the vote, asking for bridge and ferry tolls to be funded by the government instead of tolls.

Protestors are asking for bridge and ferry tolls to be funded by the government instead of tolls.

Scott Slavin, vice chair of the Tamar Toll Action Group, said the proposed rise was "another substantial uplift".

"I live in Saltash, as do many of our supporters. We rely heavily on Plymouth for everything we could possibly need, whether it be healthcare services, shopping, or leisure.

"It all involves a toll, and it all adds up and sucks the money out of the town.

"Sixty years on from the bridge being opened it's time for change."

In November, a motion to Conservative-led Cornwall Council by Lib Dem group leader Councillor Colin Martin also called for the bridge and ferry tolls to be funded by the government.

'Financial shortfall'

But the government refused the council's request for support.

The Tamar Crossings Joint Committee is formed of five councillors each from Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council.

Following the vote, joint committee chairs Councillor Martin Worth and Councillor Neil Hendy said they had "considered all the responses to the recent public consultation on how to address the financial shortfall".

"We are facing unprecedented financial challenges now, and need to ensure that we have funding to deliver these services so that the bridge and ferries can continue to deliver the safe, reliable crossings that the community relies upon.

"We will be continuing to lobby the government for funding and can modify or withdraw the request to increase tolls at any time if the government does decide to provide financial support."

Five proposals were put forward for public consultation in October, with the steepest rise being £3.20 for cash and £1.60 for tag payments.

Tolls last rose in January, with car drivers paying £2.60, up from £2.

If given the go-ahead, the new price could come into force next year.