News

Download your guide to the new Humber Bridge tolling system

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

Download your guide to the new Humber Bridge tolling system

Today we’re announcing some extremely exciting news.

The countdown to the new tolling system at the Humber Bridge – called Humber Bridge Toll – has officially started.

With the new system set to go live later in the year, we’ve released a series of downloadable guides to answer your questions about why we’re introducing it, how it will work, and what you need to do.

There is an individual guide for HumberTAG account users, guest drivers (those without a HumberTAG account), business and fleet users, and drivers who qualify for our Mobility Concessions Scheme.

You can download your free guide here:

The new system utilises key technologies including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and artificial intelligence and will automatically take payment from Humber Bridge users who have a Humber Bridge Toll account. 

Other payment methods, including a new customer-friendly website, payment app, payments via phone, and the ability to pay in cash at Paypoint locations across the region, will also be introduced. 

Andrew Arundel, Chief Executive Officer of the Humber Bridge, said the guides offered the clearest and easiest way for bridge users to access the information they needed to know about the changes in one place. 

He said: “Today marks the start of the countdown to the launch of the new tolling system at the Humber Bridge. It’s an exciting development in the bridge’s history and one that will enable everyone to cross without having to stop at the toll booths, as well as introducing more ways to pay.

“However, we realise that bridge users, whether everyday commuters, occasional users, business users or those crossing for medical reasons, will have lots of questions about the changes and how they will impact on the way they cross.

“We want to make it as easy as we possibly can for people to get those answers, so we have created a range of guides that people can download, read in their own time, and share with family members and friends, so everyone knows what to expect and do.

“The guides are simple to download – you won’t be asked for an email address or any other information to access them – and provide clear guidance on how the new system will work.”

The guides will also shortly be available in print form at key locations across the region including local libraries. 

As well as updating how people pay to cross the Humber Bridge, the new system will see the removal of the toll booths. 

Once the system goes live, all traffic crossing the Humber Bridge will be directed through the current HumberTAG lanes which will be widened to two lanes on both the southbound and northbound carriageways. 

The roads that currently lead to the toll booths will be permanently closed for use by Humber Bridge vehicles and abnormal loads only.

Posted in NTS

HUMBER BRIDGE TOLLS SET TO RISE

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

The Humber Bridge tolls are set to rise for the first time since 2012.

Under the new pricing structure, existing and new account customers will pay £1.50 to cross in a car, vans will be charged at £4.00 and HGVs at £12. 

For non-account customers, the toll fee will be £2.00 for cars, £5.00 for vans and £15.00 for HGVs. 

Motorcycles will continue to cross for free, the concession scheme for drivers with disabilities will continue, and crossings will still be free for south bank patients travelling to Castle Hill Hospital for treatment.  

The price increases are being introduced to reflect the significant rise in maintenance and operational costs that have occurred over the last 13 years, ensuring the bridge is maintained in a safe and serviceable condition for its 10 million annual users. 

Currently, users pay £1.50 for cars, £4.00 for vans and £12.00 for HGVs with a 10% discount for TAG customers. 

No exact date for the change has been set, but it will coincide with the launch of the new tolling system, called Humber Bridge Toll, which is expected to go live by late autumn. 

Andrew Arundel, Chief Executive Officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “Despite significant increases in the cost of operating and maintaining the bridge, the toll has remained frozen since 2012. 

“We continue to reinvest toll receipts into the bridge’s ongoing maintenance, securing the structure for at least the next 100 years.”

A spokesperson for the Humber Bridge Board added: “Everyone at the Bridge would like to thank users for their patronage. 

“The bridge is an icon of the region, together we can all help to keep its status as one of the finest Bridges in the world.”

Gantry Installation – 29th May

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

We have planned works scheduled for this week on the bridge. From 8pm on Thursday, 29th May, to 5am on Friday, 30th May, the Tag lanes will be closed as we install the gantry for the New Tolling System (NTS).

This marks a significant milestone in the NTS project, signalling the completion of the first phase of civil engineering works that began earlier this year. Work on the NTS will continue over the coming months, with a full launch expected in late autumn.

Throughout the works, you will still be able to cross the bridge in either direction, whether or not you have a HumberTag. However, you will only be able to use the toll booth lanes. Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling during this period.

We apologise to HumberTag customers for any inconvenience caused: please remember that our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Posted in NTS

🚜 THE FARMERS MARKET IS BACK! 🧺

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

🚜 THE FARMERS MARKET IS BACK! 🧺

The countdown is nearly over! This Sunday, 6th April, the Farmers Market makes its long-awaited return – the first one since 2019! We’re excited for what Little Hummingbird Events has in store.

📝 Important Things to Know

🕘 Market Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🚗 Parking Updates – Plan Ahead!

The Wellbeing Hub Car Park: Closed from Friday night.

Main Car Park: Will stay closed until 9 AM on Sunday to the traders to set up safely.

Onsite parking is very limited, so if you live nearby and are able to do so, why not take a stroll instead?

Disabled parking is available, with friendly stewards on hand to assist with directions.

🚙 Extra Parking Nearby!
We’ve got you covered! Thanks to our friends at Ergo Business Centre and Aura Innovation Centre (both at Bridgehead Business Park), you can park a short walk from the market. Just remember that these are active businesses, so public parking is only available during the event.

🚶‍♂️ Getting Here on Foot or Bike?
Perfect! The bridge footpath remains open as usual for pedestrians and cyclists. Just stick to the designated paths once in our estate, as we’re anticipating a busy event!

We look forward to welcoming you — see you on Sunday!

Work on free flowing tolling system to get underway at Humber Bridge

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

Work on free flowing tolling system to get underway at Humber Bridge

WORK to install a state-of-the-art free flow tolling system at the Humber Bridge is set to get underway later this month, with the project due to go live in autumn. 

Phase one of the civil engineering and highway works, which includes the construction of a new tolling gantry spanning all lanes on the bridge, will start on March 17 and last for 10 weeks.

The work will be followed by extensive testing of the new system throughout the summer before official launch in autumn, after which, attention will turn to the removal of the remaining toll booth infrastructure

The works are set to last around 30 weeks in total, and cones will be in place on the bridge from mid-March until the work is completed in autumn or early winter.

However, to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum, the majority of work will be carried out at night and no daytime lane closures are expected as a result of installing the new tolling system.

Andrew Arundel, Chief Executive Officer at the Humber Bridge, said the start of the work marked an exciting countdown to fully automated tolling.

Mr Arundel said: “We’re delighted to announce the start of works on the new, automated tolling system, which will significantly enhance user experience at the Humber Bridge. 

“By completely overhauling the payment process, crossing the bridge will be easier and payment will be much more convenient.

“We’re determined to ensure that while the works are ongoing, bridge users will not be inconvenienced. Whereas some traffic management measures will be in place throughout the duration of the works, these are likely to include narrowing the lanes rather than closing them, to ensure traffic can keep moving.”

Mr Arundel added the multi-million pound scheme will utilise key technologies including artificial intelligence and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to monitor traffic crossing the bridge. 

It will also increase the requirement for back-office staff, meaning operatives currently working in the toll booths will be offered the opportunity to apply for new roles within the organisation. 

As well as improving crossing at the bridge, customers will enjoy improved payment options via a new website or mobile app.

Those wishing to pay with cash will be able to do so via Paypoint at key locations across the region.

Mr Arundel added: “The project will make all aspects of using the Humber Bridge easier and more efficient, from not having to stop at a toll booth to paying for your crossing.

“Once it goes live, we feel bridge users will really appreciate the improvements it brings.” 

The work is being carried out by McCann Ltd on behalf of main contractor Neology. 

Posted in NTS

Save the Date: Humber Bridge Farmers Market

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Last October we broke the wonderful news that the much-loved and much-missed Humber Bridge Farmers Market is coming back.

Our friends at Little Hummingbird Events have put together an amazing selection of talented local artisans and makers. We’re delighted to tell you that the first market will be held on Sunday, April 6th, starting at 9am and wrapping up at 2pm.

 

Gantry Removal

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

This week, we will be completing the removal of the old and redundant metal maintenance gantries (pictured) that are no longer working or needed. This doesn’t mean we won’t be carrying out maintenance anymore, it just means with advances in working practices and technology, we can do it differently.

The two gantries over the main span will be lowered down onto a barge in the Humber Estuary over the next two days and then disposed of in a sustainable manner.

There will be no disruption to traffic or pedestrians and cyclists during this operation.

Stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes photos!

Humber Bridge Farmers Market To Return

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

The much-loved, much missed Humber Bridge Farmers Market is making a comeback after a five-year absence. 

The Humber Bridge Board has agreed a trial with Yorkshire-based events company Little Hummingbird Events, with the aim to stage the first market in spring 2025. 

The farmers market delighted shoppers every month, with local artisanal food stalls as well as unique arts and crafts for sale. The last farmers market was in early 2020 and was put on hold throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Andrew Arundel, chief operating officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing back the farmers market for 2025. 

“Since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, there’s not been a week go by when someone hasn’t asked via email, or at the booths, or via social media when the market is coming back.  

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to find the right management team to help relaunch the market. We’re delighted to be working with Little Hummingbird Events, whose vision is really compelling.”

Little Hummingbird Events was established in early 2022 and has run markets in prime locations across the region, including Sheffield Cathedral, Temple Newsam, the Royal Armouries, as well as many others. 

Owner and founder Nicola Hudson said: “We’re passionate about supporting independent small businesses, so our ethos is to find the most talented local artisans and makers and give them a platform that celebrates their creativity and craftsmanship. 

“From the public’s perspective, our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive free event where people can explore and discover the talents of local makers and artisans, and experience something exceptional.

“It is also about bringing communities together to support each other and create that much-loved community spirit feel, which is something we are incredibly passionate about.

“We’re truly excited to be putting on such an event with the iconic Humber Bridge as a stunning backdrop.” 

The relaunch of the farmers market is the latest step in turning the bridge into a destination. 

Fay Baker, deputy chief operating officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve done a lot of work on the bridge and around our estate. We’ve added a video tour across the bridge that gives many fun and interesting facts about the bridge and its construction. There’s also the new outdoor gym, right next to the wellbeing hub, which is now open six days a week. 

“We’ve also added Munchie, our caterpillar bench, for the kids in the picnic area and we’ve installed a rubbing trail in the country park, which is proving to be very popular.

“We really want the Humber Bridge to be more than a transport crossing and regional landmark – we want it to be a genuine community asset. And relaunching the farmers market is a big step forward in that direction.”

If you are interested in a stall at the markets, visit the Little Hummingbirds website https://www.littlehummingbirdevents.co.uk/

For updates on the markets, follow the Humber Bridge on Facebook, X, or Instagram.

Outdoor Gym at Humber Bridge Country Park Now Open!

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

The sun welcomed lots of visitors to the official opening of the Outdoor Gym on Sunday. You’ll find this amazing set of gym equipment next to the Humber Wellbeing hub within the Humber Bridge Country Park.

John Curry from the Rotary Club of Hull gave a brilliant speech, explaining how they came to support the scheme in the first place and thanking all of the partners involved. Jody Barford of Activfirst Training Ltd, then provided the crowd with an interactive overview of how each piece of equipment could be used.

Thanks again to Hull Rotary Club and ERYC for partnering in this amazing initiative.

The gym is aimed at those aimed 13 and above, so why not head down to the gym with some friends and family and give it a go.

Humber Bridge Board To Raise Walkway Barriers

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

Humber Bridge Board To Raise Walkway Barriers

The Humber Bridge Board has agreed plans to raise the barriers on the walkways of the Grade One listed structure to increase safety and security for visitors and people using the bridge.

The planned work will see vertical steel posts with horizontal wire attached to the existing barriers to improve welfare for bridge visitors and users, without compromising on the spectacular views. 

The announcement follows a feasibility study that got underway in 2019 which included rigorous testing of the proposed design to ensure it will have no detrimental impacts on the bridge, or on pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. 

The design also has to take account of the Grade One listed status of the bridge, which involved discussions with the local Conservation Teams and Historic England. The Board will now submit the proposals to both East Riding of Yorkshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council for Listed Building Consent, which is required  before work can go ahead.

Richard Hannigan, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board, said: “Raising the barriers on the Humber Bridge walkways has been the subject of debate for a long time. However, finding a solution that doesn’t detrimentally impact on the bridge has always been the major challenge. 

“To overcome this, the Board launched a feasibility study into increasing the height of the existing barriers in 2019 and we’re delighted to report that process has been a success.

“The proposed design will provide a sturdy but lightweight extension that will increase the parapets to 2.7m without impacting on the integrity or performance of the bridge. 

“It will not detract from the spectacular views along the Humber Estuary that the bridge affords, and we believe it meets the criteria set down by Historic England as a Grade One listed structure.” 

The Humber Bridge Board have allocated a budget £3m for the project, which also includes removal of the old maintenance gantries and have agreed to borrow money to fund the scheme, meaning bridge tolls will not increase to pay for it. 

Cllr Hannigan, who is also Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, added the move would make the bridge safer for everyone who visits it. 

“The Humber Bridge Board believes everyone who uses the bridge, whether for commuting or leisure, should be able to do so in the safest possible environment,” he said. 

“Now we have found a workable solution to raising the walkway barriers, the Board wants to ensure this important work is carried out.” 

ENDS