The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026 to discuss the financial performance and operational reports for the crossings. Key decisions included noting the audit findings for the 2025/26 financial year and endorsing the draft Statement of Accounts, as well as noting the revenue forecast and capital programme for 2026/27.

Public Questions

During the public questions session, several concerns were raised by members of the public. Mr. Slavin, represented by Mrs. Carter, questioned the purpose of a previous social & economic impact assessment and whether a report assessing user impact would be commissioned. Officers responded that the existing report provided sufficient data for informed assessment and that there were no plans for a further report. Mrs. Carter also raised concerns about the availability of data to support arguments for changing the funding source of the crossings, asking if the committee agreed that data was necessary to drive change and what directions would be given to Tamar Crossings to retrieve and publicise this data. She also enquired whether the Joint Committee was still pursuing toll abolition or had shifted to supporting MPs' plans for cheaper tolls for locals. The Joint Chairman (Cornwall) stated that any available data could be made available in its raw format, acknowledging that extracting specific data would require significant work. He reiterated that the long-term ambition remains for toll-free crossings, with cheaper tolls for locals being a short-term step.

Camillia Southworth, representing Torpoint Town Council, asked if a review of the financial resources needed by the ferry management team to maintain staffing levels and re-open toilets for a three-ferry service could be undertaken. Officers explained that income is derived from tolls and financial resources are under constant review, with cost reductions being sought. Any additional requirements for the ferry would be considered during the budget-setting process for the next year.

A question from Ms. Lidstone, read out by the Joint Chair (Plymouth), enquired about the use of AI in report writing and whether jargon was used to confuse councillors and the public. Officers agreed that reports could be made easier to read and a new report format would be used for the December meeting.

Chairman's Announcements

Councillor Cador raised two questions regarding traffic flow. The first concerned a recent lorry breakdown on the Tamar Bridge and the possibility of using coned-off areas to reduce queues. The second question related to closures of the A38 turnoff at St Budeaux and whether the bus lane could be opened to normal traffic to alleviate queues. Officers advised that opening the bus lane was outside their jurisdiction and fell under National Highways. They explained that breakdowns on the bridge cause disruption and that coned areas require time to implement safely.

Chief Officer's Quarterly Report

The Committee considered the Chief Officer's Quarterly Report, which detailed operational matters and KPIs. Members noted that the format for future reports would change to improve accessibility. It was also mentioned that a Channel 4 documentary crew would be filming and that emergency services had conducted a trial on the bridge relating to potential fires from electric vehicles.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the funding of the Visitor Centre, with officers explaining that closing it would require repaying a significant grant and that only £0.02 of each toll funded the centre. The Tamar 2050 Project was noted as ongoing, with a focus on efficiency savings. The Chief Officer's visit to the Humber Bridge and Tyne Tunnel to observe Open Road Tolling was mentioned, with this to be discussed further at a workshop. Concerns were also raised that a two-stage process for achieving toll-free crossings had not been formally agreed. There was general agreement that the long-term aim was toll-free crossings, with the short-term aim of keeping tolls low. The potential for a government debt write-off to reduce tolling levels was discussed, alongside concerns about new capital debt undermining these benefits. The lack of toilet facilities at ferry shores was highlighted as a concern for local residents. Officers confirmed a statutory responsibility for staff toilet facilities but noted issues with reopening customer facilities, including maintenance costs and misuse.

It was resolved that the Tamar Crossings' Chief Officer would develop a full business case for shore-based toilets on either side of the Torpoint Ferry, to be submitted to the December Joint Committee meeting, exploring options such as public charging.

Further points raised included concerns about ferry availability, the replacement of a generator on the Tamar 2 ferry, and the need to balance asset life extension with safety and disruption. Discussions also touched upon business continuity planning, the arrangement of a stakeholder group meeting, and delays in TAG applications due to a lack of devices. The need for lobbying the Government for toll-free crossings was emphasised.

The Committee resolved to note the report and that an updating report would be presented at the next meeting.

Internal Audit Report

The Committee considered the Internal Audit Report for 2025/26. The Chief Officer expressed regret at areas identified for improvement but reassured members that an action plan had been agreed to resolve all issues.

It was resolved that the Joint Committee notes the outcome of the 2025/26 internal audit review of Tamar Bridge & Torpoint Ferry operations and takes assurance from the audit opinion, risk opinion and senior management response on the actions being taken to strengthen the control and risk environment.

Statement of Accounts and Audit Findings 2025/26

The Committee considered the Statement of Accounts and Audit Findings for 2025/26. Members were informed that while an independent audit was not statutorily required, it represented good value and best practice. The audit findings did not indicate any major concerns, and action plans were in place to address any issues.

Officers advised that it was unlikely any funding would be made available from the Parent Authorities, as neither had allocated funding in their Medium Term Financial Plans. The potential impact of a government debt write-off was estimated at approximately £5 million in revenue benefit. The lack of sufficient data to determine the impact of bus services on toll-paying crossings was noted, with this to be discussed at a finance workshop.

It was resolved that the Joint Committee note the Audit Findings and endorse the draft Statement of Accounts, subject to external audit adjustments.

Budget Monitoring 2026/27

The Committee reviewed the Budget Monitoring report for 2026/27. Members were informed that salary negotiations had concluded with a 3.3% increase, backdated to April 2026, which was higher than the budgeted 3%. Total income was reported at 41.5% of the annual forecast, lower than the expected 43%, indicating likely lower total income levels for the financial year due to reduced traffic and increased use of TAG discounts.

Discussions covered concessionary crossings and mobility passes, which would be examined at a financial workshop. The Joint Committee's inability to hold debts independently was noted, with Parent Authorities borrowing on its behalf. Capital borrowing for ferry refits and other capital debts were discussed, as was the possibility of restructuring debts with Cornwall Council. A deficit was forecast to begin in the 2028/29 financial year, requiring a strategy to be developed. The view was expressed that a balance was needed between public opinion and financial realities. Members were reminded that any potential government debt write-off was speculative. The possibility of analysing data on vehicle types crossing the bridge was mentioned. The urgency of considering financial options due to the forecast deficit was emphasised.

It was resolved that the revenue forecast and capital programme for 2026/27 be noted.