The public inquiry into proposals to increase toll charges on the Tamar crossings started this week as some residents called for the two crossings to be funded separately. The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee claims it needs to increase tolls by 50 per cent so it can continue to provide safe and reliable crossings to members of the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

The joint committee has admitted the service has been running at a loss for the past two years and its limited reserves will be used up by early this year. This has prompted suggestions that the crossings be run separately.

Saltash resident Brian Pedley said: 'I think the ferry is a wholly different type of crossing.

'The bridge is part of a major trunk route. There are two in Cornwall – the A30 and the A38 – there is no escaping that fact. The bridge should be free and run by the Highways Agency.

'You do feel sorry for the people of Torpoint because it is a life line for them – but there must be a more effective way.'

MP Colin Breed said: 'The public inquiry should consider all aspects of current toll arrangements for crossings of the Tamar.  

'The current position which locks the Tamar Bridge and Ferries together was to ensure fairness to the commuters involved, particularly as Torpoint was unable to have a bridge because of the Naval Base and Dockyard.

'However, over the last three decades circumstances have changed considerably and it is time for a full review. 

'I do believe that the Joint Authority of Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council has proved very successful in upgrading the crossings and maintaining tolls at levels much lower than seen in other parts of the UK.'

The inquiry, which has been ordered by the Secretary of State for Transport, started on Wednesday at the Lower Hall of Plymouth Guildhall.

For further details see this week's Cornish Times.

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