The new system will see the removal of the existing toll booths and is set to go live later this year
A new tolling system, which is set to replace the remaining toll booths on the Humber Bridge, is expected to be operational by the end of the year. Guides are now being published to inform bridge users of what will happen ahead of the launch along with details of how the system will work.
As well as seeing the removal of the manned toll booths, the changes will also see customers of the existing HumberTAG scheme – which launched in 2015 – migrated to the new system. Simply called ‘Humber Bridge Toll’, it will utilise technologies such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and artificial intelligence to automatically deduct payment from users who have a Humber Bridge Toll account.
Other payment methods will also be introduced, including a user-friendly website, a payment app, phone payments, and the option to pay in cash at Paypoint locations across the region. To ensure all Humber Bridge customers are fully informed about the new system and the various payment options available, the Humber Bridge has released four downloadable guides detailing how it will operate. Tailored to existing account holders, guest crossers, business users, and those eligible for Mobility Disabled Concessions, they can be downloaded free of charge from the Humber Bridge website.
Once the system is operational, all traffic crossing the Humber Bridge will be directed through the current HumberTAG lanes which will be widened to two lanes on both the southbound and northbound carriageways. The roads that currently lead to the toll booths will be permanently closed and only be for use by Humber Bridge vehicles and abnormal loads.
Though a date has not yet been set for the switchover, it has been stated it will “happen over a weekend” later this year and plenty of notice will be given beforehand.
As there will no longer be toll booths, those without an account with see changes to how payments are made. Users will have until 11.59pm the next day to pay, which applies seven days a week, in a move bridge bosses say “brings us into line with other toll crossings in England”. However, users will be able to pay immediately with a passenger even “able to pay the toll online before you’ve finished crossing the bridge”.
Meanwhile, HumberTAG account holders will be transferred over to the new system. Those who have a vehicle tag on their windscreen will no longer need it though it does not need to be sent back and the £15 deposit paid for the tag will be added as credit to the new Humber Bridge toll account.
Andrew Arundel, chief executive officer of the Humber Bridge, said: “Today marks the start of the countdown to the launch of the new tolling system at the Humber Bridge. It’s an exciting development in the bridge’s history and one that will enable everyone to cross without having to stop at the toll booths, as well as introducing more ways to pay.
“However, we realise that bridge users, whether everyday commuters, occasional users, business users or those crossing for medical reasons, will have lots of questions about the changes and how they will impact on the way they cross. We want to make it as easy as we possibly can for people to get those answers, so we have created a range of guides that people can download, read in their own time, and share with family members and friends, so everyone knows what to expect and do.
“The guides are simple to download – you won’t be asked for an email address or any other information to access them – and provide clear guidance on how the new system will work.”
Mr Arundel added: “We want these guides to be spread far and wide so as many people as possible understand the changes that are happening at the Humber Bridge in time for the launch by the end of the year. If you have family members who cross the bridge but don’t use computers very often, download a guide and share it with them.
“If you’re an employer with staff who cross the bridge for work, share a link with them, or download the appropriate guide and share it with them. The more you, your friends, family, and work colleagues know about the changes that are coming, the more equipped you will be to manage them.”
In June, it was revealed that toll prices will rise when the new tolling system goes live in the first change since crossing fees were cut in 2012. Under the new pricing structure, existing and new account customers will pay £1.50 to cross in a car (up from £1.35), with vans charged £4 (up from £3.60) and HGVs paying £12 (up from £10.80).
For non-account customers, cars will be charged £2 (up from £1.50), vans £5 (up from £4), and HGVs £15 (up from £12). Motorcycles will still be able to cross for free, and the concession scheme for disabled drivers will continue. Crossings will also remain free for south bank patients travelling to Castle Hill Hospital for treatment.
All the guides about the new tolling system can be accessed at https://new.humberbridge.co.uk/nts-hub/