A consultation exercise is being run this month by the operator of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry into options to rectify the crossings’ current financial shortfall brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consultation exercise is due to run until November 3, after which the information gathered will be analysed and presented to members of the Joint Committee at their meeting in December.

Between them the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry usually carry around 18 million vehicles a year (16 million on the bridge and two million on the ferries), with the two crossings being recognised as uniquely important to the economy of the region.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, traffic levels at both crossings have been significantly below the levels anticipated late last year when the budgets for this year were set.

The relatively short period when tolls were suspended was responsible for less than one-quarter of the income lost this year. With the organisation’s reserves now depleted, Tamar Crossings is facing a significant financial deficit which, without intervention, will continue to grow.

The Tamar Crossings receive no subsidy from either Central Government or the owners of the two crossings – Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council – with toll income used to operate, maintain and improve the bridge and ferries.

With both authorities already facing significant and pressing demands on their finances, and, as yet, no formal offer of the financial support that has been sought from the Government, the operator says the only current viable option to secure the future of the crossings is to reduce the pre-payment (Tamar Tag) discount and increase cash tolls.

The aim of the consultation is to provide information to users and key stakeholders on the Joint Committee’s finances, and to seek views on both the immediate proposals and the future structure of charges.

The Joint Committee are also seeking more information on how travel patterns may alter as a result of the pandemic to inform forecasts.

Leaflets and questionnaires were issued to users of both crossings on October 2 and 3, while the wider public has been able to access the background information and questionnaire on the Tamar Crossings website at www.tamarcrossings.org.uk, by telephoning 01752 361577 or by collecting a copy from the offices at the Bridge or Ferry.

Options

In the Funding The Crossings Consultation 2020 leaflet, the proposals are described as follows: “After considering and ruling out a number of potential options, including significantly reducing the ferry service, the Joint Committee is proposing a temporary 10% reduction in the pre-payment TamarTag discount (from 50% to 40%) from January 2021.

“At the same time it is proposing to begin a formal application to the Government to increase the charge for cash tolls by 20% in January 2022. If the application is approved and cash tolls are increased, the level of the TamarTag discount would then return to

50%.

“These changes would mean the discount toll for a car would increase from £1 to £1.20, with the cash toll increasing from £2 to £2.40.

“The final decision on revising prices is due to be made in December. However, if circumstances change in the meantime and a toll increase is no longer needed, the process can be halted at any time.” The leaflet adds: “We understand this necessary proposal will be unwelcome but we want to hear the views of customers and other stakeholders to ensure all relevant factors are taken into account in finalising any changes to toll levels.”