A public inquiry into controversial plans to increase the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry tolls by 50 per cent is to be held this month.

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee has confirmed the inquiry will start at 10am on Wednesday, January 13, at the Lower Guildhall in Plymouth.

The inquiry has been ordered by the Transport Secretary following a public outcry at the proposed rises.

If the increases go ahead, car drivers with a concessionary TamarTag will have to pay 75p instead of 50p and car drivers paying the full rate will see an increase from £1 to £1.50.

The proposed rises are the first in more than 15 years.

The increases, supported by Torpoint Town Council, have been opposed by town councils in Looe, Liskeard and Saltash.

Joint committee chairman Richard Ball said: 'Even with this rise the Tamar crossings would still be among the cheapest tolled estuarial crossings in the country and would also continue to offer the highest discount on pre-paid crossings.

'The joint committee recognises that the current economic climate makes any increases in costs particularly unwelcome at this time.

'However, we hope that users and stakeholders will recognise that the proposed increases in toll charges have been deferred for as long as possible and accept that the increased revenue is essential in order to ensure the quality and sustainability of this vital service into the future.'

As well as funding an increase in running costs, the joint committee also needs to generate more money to fund a programme of increasing maintenance spending.

The bridge is co-owned by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council.