Cheaper Tamar tolls debated in Parliament by local MP
Anna Gelderd MP pushes for reduced tolls to aid regional connectivity
South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd took the issue of tolled crossings to Parliament yesterday evening, advocating for cheaper tolls to improve regional connectivity across the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.
These crossings are vital infrastructure connecting South East Cornwall to Plymouth and wider Devon, with no practical alternative route available. Around 16 million vehicles use them annually, often providing essential access for thousands who rely on them for work, education, healthcare, and key services.
Anna Gelderd highlighted how addressing toll prices is integral to both local fairness and national priorities. Linking the issue to the Plymouth defence deal, Anna argued that tolled crossings underpin defence capabilities, productivity, and resilience, underscoring their critical role in supporting the local and national economy. She called for financial support and necessary powers to deliver cheaper tolls.
Several MPs from the surrounding constituencies attended the debate, including Fred Thomas MP, Noah Law MP, Perran Moon MP, Jayne Kirkham MP, and Ben Maguire MP. Anna expressed gratitude to local residents, community groups such as Tamar Tolls Action Group and Safe 38, previous MPs, councillors, and the Tamar Crossings for their shared efforts in campaigning for transport improvements in the area.
Regional connectivity and infrastructure needs
Anna also stressed the importance of upgrading both physical and digital infrastructure in South East Cornwall. Highlighting reliance on major routes like the A38 and vulnerable stretches of rail lines, such as those at Dawlish, Anna emphasised how critical these improvements are for communities across the far South West.
She explained her position, saying, “I know just how important delivering cheaper tolls for local people is for residents in South East Cornwall. People shouldn’t be prevented from accessing essential services just because they live on the Cornish side of the Tamar.
“I held this important debate in Parliament to platform the wide-ranging issues the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry create and bring this directly to Ministers and colleagues from across the political divide. I am determined to deliver cheaper tolls for local people and will continue to raise this issue locally and in Parliament.”
Support from other MPs
Fred Thomas MP, representing Plymouth Moor View, spoke in the debate about the need for a unified approach. He said, “Regional connectivity, including tolled crossings – especially between her constituency of South East Cornwall and mine in Plymouth – is integral to our nation’s defence and our ability to carry out its taskings.”
Likewise, Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard voiced his support for cheaper tolls, while acknowledging the complexities of achieving this. “I’m backing cheaper tolls for local people now but we need a new long term settlement and Anna has set out a clear approach. This won’t be quick or easy but by working together all the local MPs believe there’s a solution to be found,” Luke Pollard said.
Previous efforts to improve toll policies
Anna has previously collaborated with MPs Luke Pollard and Fred Thomas to challenge proposals from the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee to increase TamarTag admin fees. In December, the MPs wrote to the Committee after public resistance to the proposed increase from £0.80 to £2.00 per month.
Following public pushback and parliamentary pressure, the Committee will now investigate potential impacts of a fee rise and search for alternative savings. Anna Gelderd says she remains committed to working with local stakeholders and government bodies to ensure fair toll policies that benefit communities across the South West.