The advice comes ahead of the launch of the new tolling system with the timeline for the ‘go-live’ weekend set out
The way people pay to cross the Humber Bridge is changing (file photo)(Image: LDR)
Humber Bridge users are being urged to learn more about the new payment system to avoid being hit with a £25 charge. The toll booths, which have been in place since the landmark crossing opened in 1981, will close for the last time at the end of Friday, January 30 ahead of the new Humber Bridge Toll system becoming fully operational from Monday, February 2.
The timeline for the ‘go-live’ weekend has also been revealed when those signed up to the existing HumberTag scheme will be migrated across in readiness for the launch. Meanwhile, the deadline for motorists without an account to pay tolls is changing when the new system begins.
Users will have the rest of the day of crossing and all of the following day to pay. If they miss the deadline, they will be subject to an unpaid toll notification and receive a £25 admin fee.
This means, if you crossed the Humber Bridge any time on a Monday, you have until just after 11.59pm on the Tuesday evening to pay the toll or the extra fee will be automatically added. Once the clock hits midnight, a £25 charge will be incurred.
This deadline applies seven days a week, including all Bank Holidays. However, unlike the existing system, bridge users can make instant payments after crossing rather than having to wait for it to be processed.
Guests without an account can also pay in advance for up to ten crossings. Payments can be made online through the new website, through the new app, in cash or card at PayPoint locations, or by phoning customer services. All pre-paid crossings are valid for 12 months.
As well as the admin charge rising from £15 to £25 – the first increase in 11 years – tolls will rise for all users. This will be the first change in toll fees since they were cut in 2012. Drivers of cars without an account will see the toll rise from £1.50 to £2, with the cost for vans increasing to £5 and £15 for HGVs. Anyone with an account will see prices go up from £1.35 to £1.50 for cars, with vans paying £4 and HGVs £12.
Humber Bridge bosses said these price increases, which were revealed last summer, are due to a “significant rise in maintenance and operational costs”.
Andrew Arundel, CEO of the Humber Bridge, urged motorists to learn more about the new payment window before the launch of the new system so they can avoid being hit with a £25 administration charge. Mr Arundel said: “Humber Bridge Toll introduces new and flexible ways to pay, such as the App which will be available when the new system goes live, and enables users to pay in advance or instantly rather than wait for their crossing to appear on the website.
“As part of this process, the payment window is changing. All toll payments must be made by midnight the day after the crossing took place, otherwise a £25 administration charge will be added to the toll fee owed.
“The change brings the Humber Bridge into line with other crossings in the UK, including Dartford and the Tyne Tunnel, and it is vital people understand this change. Otherwise, they could be hit with avoidable extra charges.
“Therefore, I urge people to learn about the new payment window before the launch of the system.”
More information on the payment window is available here.
Timeline of the ‘go-live’ weekend
At the end of Friday, January 30 all traffic will begin to be diverted through the HumberTag lanes. From midnight on Saturday, January 31 the ‘go-live’ weekend will get underway and customer data from HumberTag accounts will be moved across to the new Humber Bridge Toll system.
Any crossing made by account holders over this weekend will be deducted from their account if they have sufficient funds. Meanwhile, any crossings made by non-account holders over this weekend can be paid from from Monday, February 2 when the new system goes live and must be paid for by midnight on Tuesday, February 3 to avoid an additional £25 charge.
The same deadline applies to account holders who crossed without enough credit on their account during the switchover weekend.