Toll rise on Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry could be brought in sooner
The agreed 30% increase in cash tolls was expected to be introduced in January
Planned toll rises on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry could come into force earlier than expected.
A 30% increase in cash tolls is set to be introduced in January but motorists could now see it introduced earlier.
Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council agreed earlier this year to raise the cost of tolls to help meet a budget gap which has been created by a drop in traffic using the crossings since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The planned increase would mean cash tolls go from £2 a crossing to £2.60 and TamarTag users would see costs increase from £1 to £1.30.
The changes for TamarTag users were introduced in May and the cash tolls increase was set for January 2023 as it needs to be approved by the Secretary of State before it can be introduced.
Under legislation the two councils have to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) to be able to raise cash tolls.
That process has previously taken some time when previous toll increases have been requested as the DfT has had to consider representations and objections. In 2019 there were around 150 objections and representations, but this time there have been none.
As a result there will be no need for a public inquiry and so the Secretary of State is expected to make their decision on whether to approve the toll increase sooner than previously anticipated.
In a report going to the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee on Friday it is explained: "Whilst there is no prescribed timescale for the SoS’s response, it is obvious that without a Public Inquiry, it is understood that the DfT’s response should be received by the end of the summer.
"The timeline is therefore likely to be very much shorter than anticipated and there is potential for implementation substantially earlier than January 2023.
"Earlier implementation would provide some moderation of risk associated with uncertain traffic levels and cost inflation that is already higher than anticipated at the time of modelling the financial position for the toll application.
"It would also return discount levels to their previously longstanding 50% level and allow the authorities to respond to user concerns about the earlier change in discount rates".
The committee has been recommended to grant delegated authority to the general manager, in consultation with the DfT, strategic directors from both councils and the joint chairs of the committee, to determine what steps should be taken to introduce the increased tolls before January 2023 should the Secretary of State grant early approval.
The committee is due to discuss the report when it meets on Friday (June 24th) in Plymouth.