SALTASH Town Council has set out a series of concerns over proposed increases to Tamar Tag administration fees, warning that the current consultation risks placing an even greater burden on residents who have little choice but to pay.

In a letter from town clerk Sinead Burrows to Philip Robinson, chief officer for Tamar Crossings, the council acknowledges rising costs are inevitable, but questions the narrow scope of the options presented.

The letter states: “Saltash Town Council is disappointed the only options offered are for to pay more. The cost of crossing the river for work, leisure and essential services is an unavoidable expense, and a drain on the local economy.

“The survey did not propose any other way of increasing income – such as external funding from local or central government – or options to reduce expenditure.”

The letter also highlights unease over how toll income is being used, particularly in relation to the ferry service. It points to what it describes as an “inefficient ferry operation,” with utilisation “around 50 per cent,” and raises questions about fairness. While acknowledging the ferry as an essential service, the council argues “it seems unfair that it is other captive users having to carry that burden,” effectively subsidising its operation through bridge tolls.

Further criticism is directed at the structure and transparency of the consultation itself. The letter adds: “It is unclear how the first question (in the online version of the survey) will be assessed, the very different returns which would be generated. Previous experience suggests one’s which do not produce the amount required will just be discounted, so being disingenuous as options at all, making it meaningless.

“Given the objective of an increase is to apportion costs to their source, it would seem appropriate for the fee to relate to the number of tags on an account, such as a basic fee plus an amount per tag.”

Despite the concerns, the tone of the letter is not entirely critical. Saltash Town Council expresses appreciation for being consulted on the matter and recognises the value of engagement.

It concludes: “Saltash Town Council is grateful for the opportunity to comment on this consultation, and whilst feeling the survey itself has shortcomings, is optimistic the increased engagement with the community will lead to a better understanding of issues from both perspectives.”

Tamar Crossings previously announced the launch of a public consultation on a proposal to increase the Tamar Tag administration fee, as part of wider efforts to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Tamar Crossings.

The consultation, which is looking for views on increasing the administration fee from 80p to £2 per month runs until April 6, and is open to everyone who uses the crossings.

Local people have funded the maintenance of the bridge and ferries since the 1957 Tamar Bridge Act, and this would be the first increase in the administration fee since 2014.

An independent consultant has been appointed to oversee the consultation, analyse responses and produce a report, which will be publicly available in June.