In a big step forward, the Humber Bridge is planning to remove its toll booths for the first time in its 43-year history. Soon, drivers won't have to stop to pay when crossing the iconic bridge. Instead, a new system will allow cars to drive straight through, with payments made online. The bridge is moving towards a "free flow tolling system," and the changes could be in place by Autumn next year.
An American company called Neology has submitted plans to install a new gantry on the north side of the bridge. This gantry will include cameras and technology to automatically record vehicles as they pass. The plan is to replace the current toll booths and barriers, which have been a part of the bridge since it first opened.
With the new system, there will be no need to stop and pay at the booths anymore. Instead, drivers will have until midnight the next day to pay for their crossing through a new website or a mobile app. This is expected to make the crossing quicker and more convenient for everyone.
A spokesperson for the Humber Bridge described the planning application for the gantry as a "major milestone." They added that if the plans are approved, the new gantry will be installed early next year, and the free flow tolling system will be up and running by Autumn 2025.
The new gantry will include automated traffic recording equipment. This means that every vehicle crossing the bridge will be recorded by cameras, which will read the car's license plate. Drivers will then be able to pay for their journey online. If you forget to pay, you will receive a reminder, but there could be penalties for those who don’t pay on time.
The bridge’s new system will come with signs advising drivers: “Humber Bridge Toll: Pay online by midnight tomorrow.” This gives drivers a day to complete their payment. The idea behind the new tolling system is to make crossing the Humber Bridge quicker and easier, especially for regular commuters. Without the need to stop at toll booths, traffic should flow more smoothly, which could reduce congestion.
The idea of removing the toll booths has gotten a mix of reactions from locals. Some people are excited about the changes, believing it will save them time. Others are worried about the impact on traffic in the area, especially around the Humber Bridge roundabout, which is already known for being busy during rush hour.
One resident from Hessle, a town near the bridge, has suggested that the toll system should be moved to the southern side of the Humber. They believe there is more space there, which could help reduce congestion. While the town council of Hessle didn’t oppose the gantry itself, they did raise concerns about the roundabout. They have asked for changes to be made to help manage the traffic once the new system is in place. The council mentioned their "significant concerns" about how the free-flowing traffic might affect the already congested roundabout.
For now, the Humber Bridge is waiting for approval of the planning application. If everything goes according to plan, the new gantry will be installed in the early part of next year. This will give the team time to test the system and ensure everything works smoothly before the toll booths are removed in Autumn 2025.
This change is part of a broader trend in the UK and around the world, where more toll roads and bridges are moving to cashless, automated systems. These systems are designed to make travel more efficient and reduce waiting times at toll booths. The Humber Bridge's move to a free flow system is expected to follow in the footsteps of other major bridges that have adopted similar technology.
The main benefit of this new system is that it will make travel across the Humber Bridge faster and more convenient. Without toll booths, traffic will no longer have to stop, which means fewer delays during busy times. This will be especially helpful for people who use the bridge regularly, like commuters or delivery drivers.
In addition to saving time, the new system will likely reduce pollution. With cars no longer needing to stop and start at the toll booths, there will be less idling and fewer emissions. This is good news for the environment and for the people living near the bridge.
Another benefit is the flexibility it offers drivers. Instead of fumbling for change at a toll booth, drivers will have the option to pay online or through an app. This should make the process easier for everyone, especially for visitors who may not be familiar with the bridge's toll system.
However, not everyone is convinced that the new system will be a perfect solution. As mentioned earlier, some people are concerned about the impact on traffic around the Humber Bridge roundabout. While the removal of toll booths should make the bridge itself less congested, the nearby roads might struggle to handle the increased flow of traffic.
There are also concerns about how the new system will handle people who don’t pay their tolls on time. While reminders will be sent, it's not yet clear what the penalties will be for late payment, or how the system will deal with drivers who fail to pay altogether.
Overall, while there are some challenges to be addressed, the move to a free flow tolling system at the Humber Bridge marks a significant step forward. If the planning application is approved, the new system will be a major change for the thousands of drivers who use the bridge every day. It’s hoped that the new technology will make crossing the Humber Bridge faster, easier, and more efficient, helping to modernize one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.
In the near future, drivers can expect a smoother ride across the Humber Bridge, without the hassle of stopping to pay at toll booths. The transition to the new system may take time, but the end result could make life easier for everyone who uses the bridge.
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