Public consultation launched on TamarTag administration fee proposal

Tamar Crossings has announced the launch of a public consultation on a proposal to increase the TamarTag administration fee, as part of wider efforts to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.

The consultation will run until 6 April and is open to everyone who uses the crossings, whether they are an account holder or a casual user. An independent consultant has been appointed to oversee the consultation, analyse responses and produce a report, which will be publicly available in June.

Tamar Crossings is owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council and operated by a Joint Committee on their behalf. Unlike many transport services, Tamar Crossings does not receive regular funding from central government or either council and is primarily funded through toll income.

In spring 2024, Tamar Crossings applied to the Department for Transport for a toll increase to help meet rising costs and maintain a small reserve for future works. Following government approval, the increase was implemented in May 2025. However, an ongoing financial review has shown that the TamarTag discount scheme currently costs more to run than it generates, meaning it is being subsidised by other parts of the operation. This position is not financially sustainable.

Changes in travel patterns, including increased home working and greater use of public transport, have affected traffic levels and income, while costs have continued to rise due to inflation, higher safety and maintenance requirements, and the need to invest in ageing infrastructure. Current forecasts show that, without action, financial reserves could be exhausted by 2028/29.

The proposal being consulted on is to increase the TamarTag administration fee from 80p per month to £2 per month.

Philip Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, said, “The fee has remained unchanged since 2014. Increasing the fee would cover the actual cost of running the scheme, help avoid the immediate need to reduce the TamarTag discount or increase tolls, and support the continued safe and reliable operation of the crossings. This option would protect both the 50% TamarTag discount and service standards.”

The consultation document, available on the Tamar Crossings website, sets out example journeys to show how the proposal could affect different users, including commuters, people attending hospital appointments and local businesses.

“Before bringing forward this proposal, Tamar Crossings carried out a detailed financial review, including an independent audit and a six-month internal review of budgets. Options such as further cost reductions, alternative income generation and service changes were explored”, Mr Robinson explained. “Further cuts could result in fewer inspections and maintenance activities, reduced ferry or toll booth availability, and lower service standards, which could lead to higher long-term costs and impact onto our customers by way of journey times.”

The consultation also outlines alternative options, including reducing the TamarTag discount or changing how the administration fee is applied, and invites feedback on these approaches.

To support public participation, Tamar Crossings will offer several ways to take part. These include:

• An online survey, available throughout the consultation period
• An online webinar on Monday 9 March, where the proposals will be explained and questions answered
• Drop-in consultation events at the Tamar Bridge Visitor and Learning Centre on 12 March, at Torpoint Town Hall on 17 March, and at Isambard House in Saltash on 25 March, providing opportunities to speak to staff in person and receive help completing the survey

Reference copies of the consultation materials will also be available at local libraries and town halls for those who do not have online access.

Tamar Crossings is encouraging as many people as possible to take part, as the consultation aims to gather a wide range of views to help inform future decisions. Full details about the proposal, events and how to respond will be available on our website page here. Our webinar has now taken place, a recording of the session can be found on this linked page.