Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee - 5 December 2025

The meeting began with a formal confirmation that no councillors had any declarations of interest. Members approved the minutes of the previous Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee meeting (19 September 2025) and signed them as required. Three questions were raised by members: the first concerned the possible sale of land owned by the joint authorities to reduce debt and whether the land was currently generating revenue; the response clarified that the land is jointly owned, any disposition must be decided by the Joint Committee under the Tamar Bridge Acts, and it is presently valued as community green space. The second question asked whether ultra‑rapid electric‑vehicle chargers (e.g., Tesla Superchargers) could be installed in the office car park; officers replied that while the idea has been examined, existing power and trunking infrastructure make it infeasible at present. The third question sought an update on a stakeholder‑engagement initiative identified three years earlier; the committee reported that the stakeholder group has been expanded to include local businesses, transport and health organisations, education providers and the Tamar Tag Action Group, and a new Communications, Engagement and Marketing Officer was appointed to support the updated engagement plan.

The Chief Officer’s report covered several operational items. Progress on the National Highways upgrade of the Saltash Tunnel was noted, with a new control system expected to be operational in the control room by early 2026 and later on the bridge and tunnel. The committee congratulated staff on receiving the Sandford Award for heritage education and recognised volunteers’ contributions. An income‑optimisation study was praised, and the Tamar 2050 modernisation programme was described as early‑stage work supported by external consultants where in‑house capacity is limited. Discussions continued on replacing the CPI inflation benchmark with RPI, a change that has recently secured the backing of three MPs. The possibility of altering the corporate structure of Tamar Crossings was also tabled, with a broad range of issues identified for further analysis.

Regarding the Visitor Centre, the committee examined several commercial concepts. A café was identified as a potential new revenue stream to address visitor feedback about the lack of on‑site food and drink facilities; a business case will be presented at a future meeting. No sufficient demand was found to justify a restaurant, while other ideas such as an Amazon Locker were noted as being under review, especially in light of possible future Open Road Tolling requirements. The committee emphasized the goal of