THE Tamar crossings are vital routes for our communities here in South East Cornwall. We use them to access work, education, visit loved ones, and use essential services. Our economy is dependent on the crossings too, from haulage companies getting goods in and out of our area to tourists using them as the gateway into Cornwall.

The cost of crossing adds up, particularly for local people who travel over the Tamar every day. Even with the TamarTag, using the crossings everyday can add up to over £45 a month for a family car. I share the frustration of those who feel that money could be better spent to help make ends meet.

That’s why I am taking further action on this issue. Now we have a real opportunity because we have a new Prime Minister who is focusing on good growth in every postcode. Cheaper tolls for local people would put more money back into families’ pockets and make it easier for businesses to get in and out of Cornwall, helping knock down a barrier to investment in our area.

On top of this, there’s also major investment going into Devonport. Many of us in South East Cornwall work over at the dockyards in Devonport and rely on the crossings to get there. This gives us an opportunity to demand a fair and sustainable future for the crossings as part of the wider defence investment.

So, I’m launching a Parliamentary Petition so that I can take our needs directly to Westminster. The petition demands the recognition of the crossings as critical national infrastructure, and cheaper tolls for local people in the short-term as well as the long-term removal of the tolls. This petition is really important because I will present it in the Chamber of the House of Commons, putting this issue once again at the heart of government.

I need us to make this case together. The petition must be signed in person, and I’ll be taking copies to venues across South East Cornwall. Keep an eye on my social media for live updates about where you can sign the petition and how long you have left to take part.

Transport connectivity also affects our ability to access jobs and education. I know this is an important issue locally, which is why I’m also taking action to connect local young people with opportunities here in Cornwall. Later this month, I will be hosting Cornwall’s Jobs Fair at the Eden Project, alongside other Cornish Labour MPs and the Department for Work and Pensions. Many of our young people are struggling to find the right opportunities for them in our area, so this is a really great event for them to meet with employers and organisations, all in one space.

I’m encouraging all of South East Cornwall’s residents to get involved in my petition on the Tamar crossings. I’m taking the fight to Parliament, and having as many local voices as possible will help to keep up the pressure.