Minister Agrees to a Public Inquiry into Proposed Tamar Bridge Toll Rises

1.30.00pm GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

Colin Breed, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall recently wrote to the Department of Transport regarding rumours of possible toll increases on the Tamar Bridge Crossing between Saltash and Plymouth. The letter mentions that Cornwall and Plymouth Councils must apply directly to the Secretary of State to revise toll charges, and that as formal objections to the original proposals have been received a Public Inquiry will need to be held.

Colin Breed, Liberal Democrat MP for South East Cornwall said:

"I am very pleased to learn that the Government is to arrange for a Public Inquiry into tolls on the bridge and very much hope they will expand its scope, into a review of the Tamar Crossings in general, to cover the next twenty five years."

The letter from Sadiq Khan, Minister of State for Transport said,

"The relevant legislation also provides that a public inquiry should be held where there are sustained objections to a proposed toll increase. The condition has been met for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee's current proposals. I have therefore instructed my officials to make necessary arrangements for a public inquiry. Officials at the Department have registered your letter…as a formal objection."