Public urged to take part in Tamar tag fees debate
BBCThe public is being asked for its views on a proposed increase in fees for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry tags.
The committee which manages the bridge and ferry wants to increase the monthly administration charge for the facilities from 80p to £2 in a bid to cover costs.
But those plans were put on hold in January after public uproar over the increase, described as "extortionate".
The consultation is set to run from 4 March to 6 April and include an online webinar on 9 March and drop-in consultation events at the Tamar Bridge Visitor and Learning Centre on 12 March 12 and at Torpoint Council Chambers on 17 March.
Tamar tags are used by drivers who regularly use the crossing and are paid for monthly, for a lower toll fee.
But chief operating officer for Tamar Crossings Philip Robinson said the costs of running it is more than the income from 52,000 account holders.
He said not raising the charge meant the committee would have to dip into its reserves which are predicted to deplete by 2029/30, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Robinson said there was no money available from either Plymouth City Council or Cornwall Council to fund or manage the bridge, but the committee was required to deliver a balanced budget.
Public criticism
It was looking at ways to cut costs internally, but the options were "fairly limited", he said.
Robinson said he hoped people would find the proposed increase reasonable as the aim was to keep the crossing charges as low as possible.
He said the alternative would be to reduce the discount, which the committee did not want to do, or apply to the government for an increase in tolls.
In December councillors voted to approve the admin fee, but those plans were put on hold in January after public criticism.
Tolls rose for all vehicles, with fares for cars and vans going up from £2.60 to £3.00, and fares for Tamar Tag holders rising from £1.30 to £1.50 last spring.
People can take part in the consultation online and at drop-in sessions.