Free flow tolling system for bridge moves forward

View of the Humber Bridge from Barton

A replacement system for the toll booths at the Humber Bridge could be operational by Autumn next year.

American company Neology has applied for planning permission for a new gantry on the north bank side of the bridge.

It would have automated traffic recording equipment to “facilitate automatic toll collection following removal of existing toll booths and barriers”, the application form states.

A spokesperson for the Humber Bridge said the application was a "major milestone" in moving to a free flow tolling system.

The system will see booths removed for the first time in the bridge's 43-year history with payments being made through a new website and mobile app.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, drawings for the new gantry show the vehicle ID equipment and a sign advising drivers: “Humber Bridge Toll: Pay online by midnight tomorrow.”

A Humber Bridge spokesperson said: “Submitting the planning application for the new gantry, which will house the cameras and technology for the new Free Flow tolling system, is a major milestone in the project.

“If the application is approved, the current timelines would see the gantry installed in the new year, with the Free Flow tolling going live in Autumn 2025.”

A Hessle resident had commented on it, and suggested the toll system should be moved to the southern side of the Humber where there is more space.

Hessle Town Council had lodged no objection to the gantry itself, but had asked for modification of the Humber Bridge roundabout.

The authority said it had “significant concerns” about the effect the free flowing traffic will have on “the already congested roundabout”.

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