Humber Bridge toll change: new fees and how to pay
BBCToll booths at the Humber Bridge have closed after 40 years of use, with new online and PayPoint payment methods replacing them.
The new tolling system came into force on the Humber Bridge on Saturday – and fees have risen for the first time in 13 years.
We put key questions about the changes to the bridge's board.
How to pay the new Humber Bridge toll
It means motorists will no longer be able to pay at a booth when crossing the bridge. Instead, they will have to pay in advance, or before midnight the day after their crossing, via a phone app or website.
There will also be options to pay by phone, or to pre-pay by cash or card at shops under the Paypoint scheme.
Prices for cars to cross the bridge will rise from £1.50 to £2 each way – though people with an account will save 25%. Those who fail to pay before or after crossing will be charged a £25 administration fee.
Bridge bosses say the new scheme will bring the Humber Bridge into line with other crossings in the UK.
Do I need an account for Humber Bridge tolls?
Although the toll booths have gone, the Bridge Board says you can still pay by cash or card, but you will have to do so either on the phone or via shops taking part in the Paypoint scheme.
To pay by phone, call 01482 235500. To pay via Paypoint, go to a shop taking part and ask to pay bridge fares. You'll need your vehicle registration number to hand.
According to the Bridge Board, "it is as simple as that" and customers will be able to do it at any PayPoint shop.
Getty ImagesWhat will the new app and website look like?
The Humber Bridge Board says drivers have a choice of opening a pre-paid Humber Bridge Toll Account "to benefit from discounted toll fees", or purchase "guest crossings" if they only use the bridge occasionally. A vehicle registration number and email address, for the receipt, will be required.
When does the new Humber Bridge app launch?
The Bridge Board says the payment portal on the website is available but a dedicated app is not available yet due to "technical issues".
In a social media post, officials have apologised for the delay and said they are "working hard to get this resolved".
It is still possible create or access an an account and pay for crossings via the Humber Bridge website.
Why Humber Bridge tolls are increasing?
The Bridge Board says: "The toll fee has remained the same for 13 years, while all other costs have gone up, so we need to increase the toll to fund the operation and maintenance of the bridge.
"The Humber Bridge toll project isn't about saving money by reducing jobs. In fact our overall headcount has remained the same due to the increase in staff in the customer service team."
Will there be signs on the bridge with the phone number for paying?
The Bridge Board says information will be displayed on signs, adding: "We have also been handing out flyers to toll booth customers."
What happens if you don't pay the Humber Bridge toll?
According to the Bridge Board, customers who do not pay for their crossing in advance, or by midnight on the day after their crossing, "will trigger an unpaid toll notification" and be charged a £25 administration fee.
This means that if you cross the Humber Bridge on a Monday, you have until midnight on Tuesday to pay the toll. The Bridge Board adds: "This applies seven days a week, including all Bank Holidays."
The Bridge Board says the administration fee is rising from £15 to £25 "due to the increased cost of recovering unpaid tolls".
Can I pay immediately after crossing?
The Bridge Board says that, unlike the HumberTag system it replaces, the new system will allow customers to make instant payments after crossing. They will also be able to pay in advance.
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