Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Toll Revision - 15.03.2010

Tolls on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry will increase with effect from Friday 19 March 2010 - the first increase in cash tolls for nearly 16 years, and the first increase in pre-paid tolls for 13 years.

In May 2009, the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee applied to the Secretary of State for Transport to revise tolls at both crossings to meet forecast expenditure.

Following public consultation and a subsequent Local Public Inquiry, the Secretary of State has today authorised the proposed revisions and the new tolls will come into force on 19 March 2010.

The general effect of the revision is to increase all tolls by 50%, but resulting cash tolls will be rounded down to the nearest 10p where necessary. TamarTag users will get 50% discount off the new cash tolls, and arrangements for abnormal loads and for those users receiving free crossings under our mobility scheme will remain unchanged.

The revised schedule also simplifies vehicle classifications by ceasing to classify certain larger vehicles by seating capacity or goods vehicle categorisation and instead using gross vehicle weight and/or number of axles to define vehicle class.

This increase in tolls is needed to allow the Joint Committee to continue to provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective crossings to members of the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Since the last increase in cash tolls in 1994 the Joint Committee has been able to achieve this aim and, at the same time, to significantly improve capacity and extend the service lives of the two crossings through a number of major capital projects.

The Joint Committee recognises that the current economic climate makes any increases in costs particularly unwelcome at this time.  However we hope that users and stakeholders will recognise that these increases in toll charges have been deferred for as long as possible and can accept that the increased revenue is essential in order to ensure the quality and sustainability of this vital service into the future.