House of Commons · Adjournment Debate
02 February 2026 · 8 other contributors
Opened by Anna Gelderd Lab South East Cornwall
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Anna Gelderd raised concerns about tolled crossings and regional connectivity 2026-02-02 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to have secured a debate on this issue, which I have campaigned on consistently since becoming the Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, and which has existed for many years before my time in this House. It is an issue that I hear about daily because of its impact on almost every aspect of local life... [The rest of the speech as provided]
Does the hon. Member agree that a real devolution deal, similar to those enjoyed by our Celtic cousins, must include a roads budget that is equivalent to the Cornish proportion of the strategic road network?
Does my hon. Friend agree that there would also be an environmental cost to not using the crossings, because vehicles have to travel longer distances, since usually the crossings present the straight and most direct route?
The hon. Member highlights that regional connectivity is integral to national defence and should be considered cross-departmentally.
Supports the idea of electric ferries powered by Cornish lithium batteries, reducing operating costs for ferry services.
National Highways does not contribute maintenance money to the Tamar bridge despite it being a critical part of its network; calls for more funding from national Government.
The Government’s spend on transport infrastructure is commendable, but it is important to ensure that tolls for both crossings over the Thames are equalised so that traffic can flow freely.
Cornish MPs should receive information about how much of the £2 billion funding might come to their region and its potential impact on reducing tolls on the bridge.
Welcomes the fact that DFT officials are working collaboratively with local councils and transport bodies to address transport challenges in the south-west, including those concerning the Tamar crossings.
Government Response
I am grateful to the hon. Member for South East Cornwall for raising this important issue regarding tolled crossings in her constituency. I acknowledge the challenges faced by residents and businesses in accessing essential services due to the cost of these crossings... [The minister's complete response as provided] The Minister acknowledges the long-standing issue and emphasises the importance of connectivity between Cornwall, Devon, and Plymouth. She notes that National Highways does not contribute to maintenance costs but highlights record-breaking investment in Cornwall's roads, including £220 million announced recently. The minister commits to working with local partners on fair reform and supporting infrastructure projects such as A38 upgrades and Dawlish resilience programme Phase 6. Additionally, she addresses the Tamar crossing issue by promising to explore cheaper tolls for local residents, devolution deals, and a strategic rail plan for resilience. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall on securing this debate. Improving transport connectivity is a top priority for the Government, providing £24 billion of capital funding to maintain and improve roads across England. The A38 on either side of the Tamar bridge falls under National Highways' responsibility as part of the strategic road network. Cornwall will benefit from up to £221 million over the next four years alongside over £24 million for maintenance and enhancements. Over £3 billion is being invested in improving bus services, including £30 million for Cornwall council from 2026-27 to 2028-29. Additional funding supports active travel infrastructure with nearly £700 million per year. Rail services are improved through the introduction of class 175 trains on Great Western Railway routes and a commitment to freeze regulated rail fares until March 2027. The Minister acknowledged the concerns about increasing toll charges at the Tamar crossings. He highlighted that rigorous processes are in place for assessing proposed toll increases, with applications made by asset owners to the Secretary of State and public consultation required before a decision can be made. The Minister emphasised the importance of the Tamar crossings for regional connectivity, particularly following Plymouth's designation as one of five key national defence growth areas under the UK defence industrial strategy. He reassured the House that this Government is providing record levels of investment in roads, rail, buses and active travel projects across the country to support economic growth and improve transport provision.