TOLLS will resume on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry from 00.01am on Monday, June 1.

Tolls on the two crossings were suspended on March 25 to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and protect customers and bridge and ferry staff whilst keeping the vital transport links open for key workers, emergency services and those travelling for essential reasons.

At this time there were greatly reduced levels of traffic using both routes.

A spokesperson for Tamar Crossings said: ’The combination of the reduced levels of traffic since the introduction of lockdown and the suspension of tolling have had a major impact on our financial position.

’The crossings are entirely self-funded from toll income and have received no financial support from central government to take account of the effects of the pandemic.

’During the past two weeks the Government has gradually relaxed lockdown restrictions and started to rebuild the economy by re-opening some businesses and encouraging staff who cannot work from home to return to their work places.

’As a result of this, at both crossings we are now seeing over 30% more traffic than we did two weeks ago.

’With further changes in lockdown restrictions due to come into force on June 1, including the re-opening of some schools, and an expected continued increase in traffic levels, Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council have agreed to reintroduce tolls from this date.

’To enable us to resume tolling safely and secure the future of the two crossings, at the same time as continuing to protect staff and service users, we are introducing a range of new measures to mitigate against COVID-19.

’These are based on the latest scientific and medical guidance from the Government and Public Health England.

’The new procedures, developed following comprehensive risk assessments carried out by Tamar Crossings managers in all areas of the service, will support the implementation of social distancing guidance and increase cleaning and hygiene practices at both the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.

’At both crossings we encourage car occupants to keep their windows closed whilst in close proximity to our staff and other service users, particularly when on board the ferry.

’We are also asking TamarTag account holders to check their tags are correctly located in their vehicles and are registered to the vehicle they are using.

’Those paying by cash should ensure that they have the correct money to keep personal contact with toll booth staff at the bridge or toll collectors at the ferry to an absolute minimum.

’Additional processes will be in place at both crossings to enable staff to manage any issues with tags or contactless card payments, and to help those unable to pay at the collection points while maintaining social distancing guidance.

Crossing at the Tamar Bridge

’To help provide safe cash handling procedures we will be introducing a contactless card payment system in some lanes at the Tamar Bridge. These lanes will be clearly signed and we would encourage as many people as possible to use this method of payment.

’For those who do not use contactless cards, we will be providing a range of social distancing measures to enable staff in the toll booths to safely process cash. Drivers of cars and higher vehicles such as SUVs, coaches and HGVs will be able to safely deposit their coins and notes into a cup and stick tool allowing both driver and collector to maintain a distance of more than two meters.

’All collectors will have mobile screens and we will also be installing additional booth side letterboxes/chutes in the side of each booth and mobile screens.’

Crossing at the Torpoint Ferry

’There will not be a contactless option at the ferries for June 1. However, we are working with our toll system supplier to develop a contactless solution.

’To enable safe toll collection at the ferry it has been decided to conduct tolling ashore rather than in the more cramped conditions onboard the ferries where social distancing will be extremely difficult to achieve.

’There will be a “tolling station” set up in the road just beyond the exit from the queuing lanes in Torpoint where two Tamar Crossings staff will then collect tolls in the normal way.

’Drivers released from the overhead traffic signals will be directed to the collection points where their tags will be scanned, cash can be paid or smart passes (mobility and other) presented.

’Drivers are strongly encouraged to remain within their vehicles and keep the windows closed at all times (including while on the ferries) unless they are paying by cash or need to speak to a collector.

’If paying by cash, having the correct change will make the process quicker and safer for all.

’This shoreside system will operate between 6 am and 10pm. During the quieter night time period, toll collections will take place on the ferries.

’In order to maintain social distancing, the number of lanes will be reduced, with traffic directed to alternate lanes to enable collectors to walk around vehicles.

’Tolling ashore at the ferry has never been done before (apart from foot passengers paying to pass through a turnstile to board the ferry many years ago) so we need to see how it will work in practice.

’Please be aware that there may be disruption to the schedule. Once in place we will constantly review how it is working so we can implement any changes which are required as quickly as possible.

’Further information on the procedures which are being introduced are available on the Tamar Crossings website.’