The exact date when Humber Bridge’s toll booths will close to make way for a new free-flow system has been announced.
The automatic system, called Humber Bridge Toll, will be fully operational from Monday, 2 February. Originally scheduled to launch late last year, the upgrade replaces the traditional toll booths with an automated system, allowing drivers to pay online or at local PayPoint outlets. The launch was delayed to ensure a “smooth, reliable rollout” and allow extra time for final testing.
The existing toll booths will close for the final time on Friday, 30 January, ahead of a ‘go-live weekend’ when all HumberTag accounts will be transferred to the new system.
From Monday, 2 February, a new payment website, app, and other payment methods will be available. Drivers without an account can pay by midnight on Tuesday, 3 February, to avoid a £25 administration fee.
Toll prices will also rise for the first time since 2012. Non-account holders will pay £2 for cars, £5 for vans, and £15 for HGVs, while account holders will pay £1.50 for cars, £4 for vans, and £12 for HGVs.
Andrew Arundel, Chief Executive Officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “Humber Bridge Toll is a much-improved payment system for Humber Bridge users, whether they choose to pay automatically via an account, or manually for each crossing they make.
“It significantly builds on the existing payment options, such as by introducing a much more user-friendly payment website, and increases the methods of payment open to users with the launch of a dedicated payment app and the ability to pay at PayPoint locations. Users will still be able to pay over the phone, too, by speaking to one of our Customer Services colleagues.
“However, during January, in the run up to the launch, it is important existing account holders understand what actions they need to take to ensure a successful transition to the new system, and it is important non-account holders understand how to pay if they use the bridge over the go-live weekend.
“To help people to be fully informed, we are publishing extensive information on our website and social media, we’re handing out flyers at the toll booths during January, and we’ll be issuing instructions to account holders via email. So, I would encourage all Humber Bridge users to take the necessary steps to find out what they need to know and do before the end of the month to make the transition to Humber Bridge Toll as seamless as possible.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.