Tamar Bridge committee drops proposed TamarTag fee rise after MP pressure

Plans to increase the TamarTag administration fee have been reversed following public opposition and intervention from local Labour MPs.
The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee has confirmed it will not proceed with a proposed rise in the monthly TamarTag admin charge from £0.80 to £2.00. The decision comes after widespread backlash from users of the crossing and pressure from MPs representing communities on both sides of the Tamar.
In December, MPs Anna Gelderd, Luke Pollard and Fred Thomas jointly wrote to the committee urging it to reconsider the proposal. In their letter, they called for any changes to be fully justified, properly consulted on, clearly communicated and implemented with a full understanding of the impact on local people.
The MPs say the reversal is an important step but insist further action is needed to reduce the overall cost of crossing for residents who rely on the bridge and ferry for daily travel, particularly at a time when households continue to face wider cost-of-living pressures.
Anna Gelderd, Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, said: “I know that we need cheaper, fairer tolls for local people in South East Cornwall. Residents are dependent on crossing the Tamar for school, work, healthcare appointments and to see family and friends. No one should be denied access to services due to rising toll charges.
“I am glad that public pressure and action from MPs and myself have resulted in the Committee keeping the admin charge at £0.80. The consultation is a good step to ensure transparency, but I will continue to call on all involved to fully consider the needs of local people in South East Cornwall.”
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, welcomed the decision but said more progress was required. He said: “I’m glad the committee have realised they got their initial decision wrong. We now need a full implementation plan to deliver cheaper tolls for local people. All the local MPs are committed to working with the Tamar Crossing committee to get this right. I hope we can have more joined up working from now on.”
Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, also called for continued collaboration to reduce costs for residents. He said: “I am pleased that the joint committee have now reversed this decision. I want cheaper tolls for local people and a rise in the cost of the TamarTag would not deliver that. I now want the committee to work with me and my neighbouring MPs to deliver on this aim and I am looking forward to working more closely with the committee going forward.”
The joint committee has confirmed it will now launch a consultation to assess the impact of any future changes to TamarTag administration fees. The MPs say they will continue to push for cheaper tolls for local people and for any future decisions on toll charges to be made in an open and transparent way.