Planning

Tamar Bridge Toll Collection Service

CORNWALL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

16 Jan 2026 at 11:49

Summary of the contracting process

Cornwall Council, alongside Plymouth City Council, is planning a procurement process for the "Tamar Bridge Toll Collection Service" under the initiation type of tender. This service contract, central to the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry's self-financing operations, is currently in the planning stage with a planned future notice date of 17th June 2026. The procurement falls under the services category, specifically targeting bridge toll services and toll-collection services, within the UKK41 region. The existing contract expires on 31st March 2027, with the new contract expected to start on 1st April 2027 for an initial three years, potentially extending up to eight years. Organizations interested in this opportunity should note the comprehensive service provision requirement, including the cleaning of adjoining buildings and the potential involvement in staff transfers due to TUPE obligations.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses in the services sector, particularly those experienced in toll operations, infrastructure management, or public service provision. The open procurement method indicates a competitive bidding process, inviting participation from qualified providers, including SMEs that can deliver robust 24/7 service operations and adapt to future technological implementations such as Open Road Tolling systems. Companies capable of navigating and fulfilling dynamic service requirements, accommodating potential structural changes, and optimizing resource allocation will find this opportunity particularly conducive to business growth. Interested parties should prepare to address both current and anticipated service needs to leverage this long-term contract opportunity effectively.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Tamar Bridge Toll Collection Service

Notice Description

Tolls collected at the Tamar Bridge represent the major source of income for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry which are operated and maintained as self-financing infrastructure. Despite offering a range of automated and cash-free payment options, a physical presence is still required in each of the five mixed mode toll lanes and to support our two automated lanes. This high-profile 24/7/365 service has been contracted out since 1986, with the current contract expiring on 31 March 2027. The Authority seeks to procure a new arrangement with an initial contract term of three years, with optional extensions of up to five years in total, in any combination, giving a maximum possible duration of eight years. The structure and flexibility of the extension options are necessary due to ongoing investigations into the potential implementation of an Open Road Tolling (ORT) system. Introduction of ORT would directly affect future service requirements, and the potential for change requires that the Authority retain discretion over if, and for how long, the extension options are exercised. The contract incorporates a cleaning requirement for the adjoining buildings, providing some onsite flexibility of resources for the appointed contractor. It is envisaged that a TUPE transfer of staff will be necessary.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060785
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003829-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

63712311 - Bridge toll services

79941000 - Toll-collection services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£7,050,080 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Jan 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
17 Jun 20265 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CORNWALL COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Contact Name
Mr James Howarth
Contact Email
james.howarth@cornwall.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
TRURO
Postcode
TR1 3AY
Post Town
Truro
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
TLK41 Plymouth

Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
St Peter and the Waterfront
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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