The tag lanes at the Humber Bridge are set to close for a night as a “significant milestone” is reached on the new ‘free-flowing’ tolling system.
Work on the New Tolling System (NTS) got underway in March with the system expected to go live late this autumn. From 8pm today (Thursday, May 29) until 5am tomorrow (Friday, May 30), the tag lanes will be closed as the gantry for the new tolling system is installed.
A Humber Bridge Board spokesperson said: “This marks a significant milestone in the NTS project, signalling the completion of the first phase of civil engineering works that began earlier this year. Work on the NTS will continue over the coming months, with a full launch expected in late autumn.
“Throughout the works, you will still be able to cross the bridge in either direction, whether or not you have a HumberTag. However, you will only be able to use the toll booth lanes. Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling during this period.
“We apologise to HumberTag customers for any inconvenience caused: please remember that our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.”
The NTS project, which was first announced in November 2021, will see the landmark crossing go booth-free for the first time in its history with all payments to be made through a new website and mobile app, as well as over the phone, once it goes live.
Those wanting to pay cash will be able to do so via Paypoint at “key locations across the region” though cash will not be accepted at the Humber Bridge or its offices. Toll booths stopped taking cash during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and this was made permanent the following year.
Earlier this year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the Humber Bridge roundabout – also known as Wingfield Farm roundabout – is to be assessed to ‘identify potential improvements’ ahead of the new state-of-the-art ‘free flowing’ toll system going live.