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The TamarTag is name of the pre-paid Electronic Tolling System for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Crossings, offering its users a 50% discount on the toll.
The system uses electronic devices (tags) fitted to vehicles to allow tolling without physical payment using cash or voucher, provided there is credit on your account.
The tag is a small electronic device fitted on the inside of the vehicle windscreen which is read either by roadside equipment at the Bridge or by a handheld reader at the Ferry.
The amount of initial credit payable varies on the number of and the classification of the vehicles that are to be used by the tag.
Please see the application for the current amounts, which can be found under the Downloadable Forms section of this website.
Drivers are warned when their account balance is low at the time of crossing.
For drivers crossing the bridge, there is a small LED screen near the barrier which will say LOWBAL. The collectors’ will advise ferry users when scanning the tag.
These warnings will vary from account to account dependant on the classification and number of tags on it.
For a single car account, the warning starts when the Tag balance is below £7.50 (9 crossings)
You are not required to have a tag; cash is still accepted for those without a tag.
Please use the MANNED BOOTHS (indicated by signage above the booths)
Electronic toll collections offer a more convenient way for frequent users to pay their tolls, it speeds up transactions through toll lanes, and reduces the handling of money for both customer and operator.
This technology is particularly beneficial at the Tamar Crossings as both Bridge and Ferry have a very high percentage of frequent users.
In addition the faster transaction time will increase throughput at the Bridge and facilitate the collection of tolls from the numbers of vehicles being carried by the Torpoint Ferries.
The system uses electronic devices, tags, fitted to vehicles to allow tolling without physical payment using cash or voucher. The tag is a small electronic device fitted on the inside of the vehicle windscreen which is read either by roadside equipment at the Bridge or by a handheld reader at the Ferry.
Tag users are required to set up a pre-paid account, (minimum £30 for a single car account) and each time a tolled crossing is made, the appropriate toll is deducted from the account and the transaction recorded.
Tags are supplied free of charge and tag users enjoy a 50% discounted toll.
Should anything happen to your TamarTag, you must inform the Customer Service Team as soon as possible.
Our advisers help minimise any issues or loss to yourself and will organise replacement of your tag.
Tags are provided on loan to customers and we do not take a deposit. A charge is therefore applied if you are unable to return it or it is returned in a state where we are unable to reuse it.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for more details
Tag customers can use all seven Lanes of the bridge, indicated with a corresponding "T" symbol and as all three ferries are equipped with the Tag readers.
Tag customers can use all seven Lanes of the bridge, indicated with a corresponding “T” symbol and all three of Torpoint ferries are equipped with the Tag readers.
Tag users should drive slowly into a toll lane and be prepared to stop at the barrier.
Please pay close attention to the Traffic Light signals, the same as on any major road. These will indicate that you are able to commence through the barriers.
The BEEP from the tag does not necessarily mean it is safe to proceed
The system is equipped with technology that will detect key vehicle profiles e.g. the use of a trailer.
It will therefore deduct the TOLL account accordingly. For example, a car towing a trailer/caravan will be charged £1.50 instead of the normal car rate of 75p.
At the Torpoint Ferry, the collector will see the vehicle has a trailer or caravan and will classify the transaction accordingly on his mobile handset.
Minimum top-ups are £5 lower online, so it is a good idea to get registered.
You will receive login details when we send out your tag to you, provided you have given us an email address. These details are then valid for 28 days and you should log on and amend the password as soon as possible.
If you require a reset then please contact us at the Customer Service Office either by email or by calling 01752 361577 and we can reissue you with login details, alternatively visit the TAMAR TAG LOGIN section and follow the forgotten password process.
Your account needs to be kept up to date at all times, including vehicle information, addresses, contact numbers etc.
You can make these amendments either online, by email or by popping into one of the Tag offices.
There is an amendment form that can be completed in advance.
By having current details recorded on our systems, any delay and administration is minimised if there are any issues with your account or at the toll booths.
The email address to send any amendments is tagenquiries@tamarcrossings.org.uk
Motorbikes do not require a Tag.
We have systems in place to ensure bridge barriers are lifted for motorcyclists.
On the Torpoint Ferry a toll is payable travelling from Plymouth to Torpoint but tags are not available to pay the small toll charged. This toll is currently set at 30p (60p if towing a trailer).
Should you attempt to cross without enough credit to pay the toll, the barrier will not lift and Ferry staff will not be able to scan the TAG.
Cash payment will then be required. Should you not have cash readily available:
- BRIDGE – you will be asked to visit our CONTROL ROOM to arrange payment. Please see TAMAR BRIDGE FAQ’s for more information.
- FERRY – the staff will issue you with a receipt and information sheet advising on how to pay.
Please be aware, administration fees will apply in these situations.
There are actually four different ways to obtain a new bracket.
These are;
- The Customer Service Office
- The Ferry Office
- The Bridge Control Room
- The Manned Booths on the Bridge itself.
The tolls pay for the operation, maintenance and improvement of the Ferry and Bridge.
A monthly account fee was introduced to reflect the specific costs of providing the tag system and maintaining accounts, whilst ensuring that tolls paid went directly to maintaining and operating the crossings.
The fee also reduces the number of dormant or very low use accounts which other users were in effect subsidising.
If you use either of the crossings at least twice a month the tag scheme is cheaper than paying cash.
Even if you cross irregularly, you may prefer the use of a tag for the ease of the scheme.
For example:
A standard car/light van would pay out £1.55 (75p plus 80p) for crossing the bridge once a month using a tag, where as they would have paid £1.50 in cash.
You can have as many tags on an account as you have vehicles.
At application stage you will be indicated as to how much the initial payment will be, after this there will be a minimum top up on the account.
You need to be aware that the minimum top up level will increase for each additional tag on an account.
For example, a standard class 2 tag is £15 per tag. Two car accounts would require a £30 minimum top up once an account has been set up, but this is a shared balance and not split between the vehicles.
All tags are vehicle specific and have the registration imbedded into them for vehicle recognition at crossing stage.
We are aware that there may be a chance when another vehicle has to be used, such as when a car goes in for repair etc. On these occasions we would ask that the drivers use a manned booth, should there be any problems someone will be on hand to assist.
If you continue to use your tag in a vehicle that is not registered with ourselves the tag will fail to work.Our ability to offer half-price tag crossings is limited to those that cross regularly and a commitment to add a minimum level of credit is an efficient way of demonstrating regular use.
Top-up thresholds increase as more tags are issued in part to reflect the cost of the tags and, in part to help ensure that existing tags are returned when for example cars are sold.
No, the minimum top up is not waivable.
If you no longer require your tag, please return it to our offices and we will close it for you refunding any remaining balance.
The account will remain open and fees deducted until this happens.