Is the Tamar Bridge free on weekends, evenings and bank holidays?

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The Tamar Bridge spans the River Tamar between Plymouth, Devon and Saltash in Cornwall – it also operates as a toll bridge for motorists who use it. Here we take a look at how much the toll costs, the hours it is operational and whether it applies at weekends, in the evening and during bank holidays such as Christmas Day.

Motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden has all the information you’ll need if visiting Cornwall via the A38,  to help ensure you have the correct funds ready to pay the toll without causing a delay.

The Tamar Bridge between Plymouth, Devon and Saltash in CornwallThe Tamar Bridge - with the Royal Albert Bridge in the foreground - connects Devon to Cornwall. (Credit: Pixabay)

Where is the Tamar Bridge toll located?

The bridge carries the busy A38 and crosses from Devon to Cornwall. Tourists heading towards popular destinations such as Looe and surrounding towns on the southern coast of the county could well find they are directed on this route by their sat-nav devices.

What are the opening times of the bridge?

The bridge is open and the toll is charged 24 hours a day throughout the year - except Christmas Day when the toll charge is suspended - so you’ll be able to cross into Cornwall, or back into Devon whatever time of day you choose to travel.

Avoiding peak hours will help ensure you are not left in long queues as tourists pour into – and out of  – Cornwall.

How much is the Tamar Bridge toll

The following tolls apply to vehicles using the crossing when travelling eastbound from Saltash, Cornwall to Plymouth, Devon. There are no charges applied when crossing from Devon to Cornwall via the Tamar Bridge. 

Type of vehicle Cash charge TamarTag Charge
Motorcycles £Free £Free
Cars / vans under 3.5 tonnes £2.00 £1.30
Cars / vans under 3.5 tonnes with trailer £5.20 £2.60
Trucks and vehicles with 2 axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes £6.30 £3.15
Trucks and vehicles with 2 axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes with trailer £12.60 £6.30
Trucks and vehicles with 3 axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes £10.40 £5.20
Trucks and vehicles with 3 axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes with trailer £20.80 £10.40
Trucks and vehicles with 4 and above  axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes  £14.30 £7.15
Trucks and vehicles with 4 and above  axles and MGW over 3.5 tonnes with trailer £28.60 £14.30
Is the Tamar Bridge free at weekends and evenings?

No. The Tamar Bridge crossing is not free at weekends or in the evening. Charges apply 24 hours a day on all days apart from Christmas Day.

Additionally, there is no off-peak period, such as late at night through to early morning before the rush-hour, where the tolls are charged at a reduced rate. The single toll - see above - is charged 24 hours a day.

Is the Tamar Bridge free on Christmas Day?

Yes - the Tamar Bridge is free to use eastbound (the only chargeable direction) on Christmas Day. The tolls will not apply from 0000 on 25th December 2022 until 2359 on 25th December 2022 (midnight to midnight)

Do I have to pay the toll at Easter?

Yes, you will need to pay the usual charge across the entire Easter holiday period - including Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Do I have to pay the toll both ways?

Unlike many toll bridges, roads, and tunnels, the Tamar Bridge toll is only paid in one direction – this is when drivers cross eastbound from Saltash in Cornwall into Plymouth, Devon. This means travellers heading into Cornwall won’t need to pay on their way in to the county, but they will need to do so when leaving.

Can I use card or cash to pay the crossing? 

Motorists using the Tamar Bridge can pay the toll using cash, credit card or tag – if they have an account. The booths are manned and change can be given for cash payments.

There is now a contactless payment pad for motorists who wish to use their debit or credit card. These are positioned at the pay booth.

Users can also apply for a Tamar Tag, to make payment smoother and automatic. The application forms can be found here.

Is the price of the toll going up?

The prices went up on 1 January 2023. See our table above for the current charges.

Is the Tamar Bridge closed due to the storm?

The Tamar Bridge has high-wind procedures that dictate what happens when strong winds hit the region. These can range from minor restrictions for some vehicles to the total closure of the bridge. 

Find out the latest status of the Tamar Bridge and other Tamar Crossings during storms here.

Find out how the wind could affect your trip using the Tamar Bridge here

How busy is the Tamar Bridge Toll and will I be held up?

With the Tamar Bridge heavily affected by seasonal traffic - as tourists head to Cornwall in summer months, drivers can face delays at peak times. The bridge is used by more than 16 million vehicles each year and a busy weekend in summer could see over 50,000 cars and trucks using the crossing.

 

 

Do I need to pay if I have a Blue Badge?

Drivers with disabilities will need to apply for a Mobility Pass as a Blue Badge alone will not entitle the holder to discounted tolls on the bridge. Drivers can apply for a mobility pass here.

Do cyclists and motorcyclists have to pay?

No. The crossing is free for cyclists and those who are riding a motorcycle. The crossing is also free of charge for pedestrians using it. 

Can I get live traffic information for the bridge?

The Tamar Bridge website publishes traffic updates to help you plan your trip, along with two webcams covering the approach to both sides of the bridge to allow a visual check of traffic conditions. Both the Tamar Bridge updates and webcams can be found here

Contact the Tamar Bridge toll office

If you need to get in touch with the team at the Tamar Bridge, you can contact customer service by email at enquiries@tamarcrossings.org.uk or give them a ring on 01752 361577 during normal office hours.

 
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Author: Pete Barden:

Twitter: @pete_barden

Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.

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