Why is it that the huge Severn Crossing is free, yet the much smaller Tamar crossing costs so much?

We understand this comparison is often made.

The Severn Crossings became toll-free in 2018 after the UK Government took responsibility for the crossings and their ongoing costs. This means the costs are now covered through national taxation rather than tolls.

Tamar Crossings are funded differently. The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry must cover their operating and maintenance costs primarily through toll revenue, as they do not receive central government funding for these costs. We have previously asked the Government to take responsibility for the crossings so that they could potentially become toll-free, but this request has not been accepted.

There are currently around 13 tolled crossings in the UK, including the Tyne Tunnels, Dartford Crossing, Mersey Gateway and the M6 Toll. These typically charge between £1.20 and £10.50 in each direction. Tamar Bridge is unusual because we only charge in one direction, which means drivers pay for just half of their crossings compared to all other crossings.

Only two UK crossings have become toll-free in recent years: the Severn Crossings and Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire, both after changes to their funding arrangements.