Consulation opens on Tamar Tag increases

Bosses want to increase it from 80p to £2

Tamar Crossings has launched its public consultation today on a contentious proposal to increase the Tamar Tag administration fee by 150 per cent.

Everyone who uses the Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry, whether they are a Tamar Tag account holder or casual user, can have their say until April 6.

The proposal is to increase the Tamar Tag administration fee from 80p per month to £2 per month. 

Tamar Crossings, which is owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council and operated by a joint committee on their behalf, says the move is to help ensure the long term sustainability of the crossings which are primarily funded through tolls and do not receive regular funding from central or local government. .

The  admin fee has been the same since 2014 and no longer covers costs.

But it has met with strong opposition especially so soon after an increase in tolls in May 2025. 

The consultation also outlines alternative options to recoup the costs of Tamar Tag scheme, including reducing the current 50% TamarTag discount or changing how the administration fee is applied, and invites feedback on these approaches.

There are several ways to take part. 

An online survey, available throughout the consultation period from March 4 to April 6
An online webinar on Monday March 9, where the proposals will be explained and questions answered
Drop-in consultation events at the Tamar Bridge Visitor and Learning Centre on March 12 and at Torpoint Council Chambers on March 17, 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.

The organisation agreed to consult the public at the cost of up to £10,000 after a backlash from Tamar Crossings users.

Philip Robinson, chief operating officer, said increasing the fee would cover the actual cost of running the scheme, help avoid the immediate need to reduce the Tamar Tag discount or increase tolls, and support the continued safe and reliable operation of the crossings.

He said the proposal was made after a detailed financial review including exploring income generation and service changes and he warned: “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.”

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 at: tamarcrossings.org.uk/about/tag-admin-consultation.

An independent consultant has been appointed to oversee the consultation, analyse responses and produce a report, which will be publicly available in June.