Tamar charges meeting requested by new Cornish MP

One of Cornwall’s new MPs has called for a meeting with the transport secretary to discuss Tamar crossing charges.

Anna Gelderd, who won the South East Cornwall seat for Labor in the general election, said on Facebook that she had written to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.

Ms Gelderd said she had promised to bring in the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry charges, which are set to rise for cars and vans from £2.60 to £3.00 or from £1.30 to £1.50 pounds for Tamar Tag users later this year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had received Ms Gelderd’s letter and was considering the points raised.

In May, Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council – which both run the Tamar Bridge Crossing and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee – said crossing charges would increase by November.

The proposed changes require formal approval from the Secretary of Transportation.

In her letter, Ms Gelderd said toll prices were a key concern for local residents.

She said: “Tax is a growing economic barrier, rising costs affecting access to essential services and business investment.

“The recent 15% increase proposed means a 100% increase over the last four years, affecting every journey in my constituency to the city of Plymouth.”

Ms Gelderd added that the current tolling system on the bridge was causing severe congestion and said the government should “carefully assess” next steps around tolls.

“South East Cornwall has made it clear they want change by putting their trust in a Labor MP for the first time,” she said.

“I do not underestimate this mandate and I am writing to you in that spirit.

“Tamar Crossings are much more than just a bridge and ferry service, they are lifelines for our communities.”

A DfT spokesman said: “We have received Anna Gelderd’s letter and are considering the points raised before responding in due course.”