Humber Bridge tolling booths to be SCRAPPED
...but you'll still have to pay!
Tolling booths on the Humber Bridge are to be scrapped, in a bid to make the connection "completely free flow."
They will be replaced by a tolling system with a payment website.
It's hoped queuing will be "drastically" reduced at all times of the day.
The Humber Bridge Board says staff working in toll booths will be redeployed to an office, as the new system will need more workers at desks.
Councillor Sean Chaytor, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board, described the upgrade as great news for motorists.
He added that the new tolling system is likely to require more staff to work in the office, meaning those currently working in the booths will be offered a new role.
Cllr Chaytor said: “A free flow system addresses the limitations of the current hybrid (tag lane and toll booths) situation at the Humber Bridge. This will provide future proofing for tolling requirements and cope with any increases in traffic.
“The new system will have a huge, positive impact on crossing times, and with a brand new website dealing with payments, the whole experience of using the Humber Bridge will be significantly improved.”
Cllr Chaytor added the move would have a positive impact on the environment.
“We know static, queuing vehicles increase pollution,” he said.
“By removing the need for motorists to stop and start, we will cut carbon emissions generated by bridge users.”
Richard Hannigan, Deputy Chair of the Humber Bridge Board, added the upgrade would bring the north and south banks even closer together.
Cllr Hannigan, who is also Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Being able to cross the bridge more quickly further opens up the opportunity for people to live on one side of the estuary and work on the other.
“It facilitates the movement of commercial traffic, meaning goods coming to and from the docks can reach their destination sooner, emergency vehicles will be able to cross faster and people attending hospital appointments will be able to plan their crossings with a greater degree of confidence, knowing they will get where they need to be on time.
“All in all, it is great news for our region.”
Andrew Arundel, Chief Operating Officer of the Humber Bridge, said the project was in the very early stages and would take time to come to fruition.
He said: “Once completed, it will make crossing the bridge a far more enjoyable experience.
“However, we’re also aware that motorists might be concerned that work will get underway soon, causing further disruption shortly after vital maintenance work to replace bearings at the Barton end of the bridge was completed.
“This is not the case. The system is in the early design stage and work on the bridge itself is unlikely to start for some time. For the time being, disruption to motorists and other users will be kept to a minimum.”
Mr Arundel added that the new system would be designed to make payment easier, with a variety of ways to pay to ensure everyone is accommodated, including those people who prefer not to pay online.
He said: “Open Road Tolling is now becoming the norm in the UK. The Tyne Tunnel recently went over to such a system and the Dartford Crossing introduced Open Road Tolling several years ago.”