Free flow tolling has moved a step closer at the Humber Bridge.
The Humber Bridge Board has appointed industry-leading US company Neology to install a new
tolling system designed to improve the customer experience and revolutionise how payments are
taken.
The new system will see the bridge go fully booth-free for the first time in its 43-year history, with
payments being made through a new website and mobile app.
As part of the project, a scheme similar to Payzone will also be launched enabling people to pay cash
at key locations across the region, although cash will not be taken at the Humber Bridge or the
Humber Bridge offices.
Once completed, the new system will increase requirements for back-office staff, meaning those
currently working in the toll booths will be offered the opportunity to apply for new roles.
Richard Hannigan, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board and Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire
Council, described the appointment of Neology as a key milestone in delivering the new toll system
project.
The multi-million pound scheme will utilise key technologies including artificial intelligence and
automatic number plate recognition, Cllr Hannigan explained, to significantly improve the user
experience.
He said: “We conducted a thorough and extensive tender process to find the right partner to provide
the new tolling system, and received some impressive bids from companies across the world.
“However, Neology’s submission stood out as the best design solution to address the needs of our
customers.
“We are very excited to see this vital project move forward as it will deliver a range of significant
improvements for motorists using the bridge, helping to bring the two sides of the estuary closer
together, and ensure that making payments is a quick, easy and painless process.
“We know these are the improvements our customers would most like to see and we’re committed
to delivering them as part of this fantastic project.”
Andrew Arundel, Chief Operating Officer of the Humber Bridge, reassured motorists that disruption
will be kept to a minimum during the installation phase of the scheme.
He said: “Currently, the project is in the design stage meaning work will not begin on site for several
months.
“When it does, understandably there will be some concern it will generate a large amount of
disruption for bridge users. Whereas this might be the case during some of the key moments in the
project, the schedule of work will be designed to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Once the work is completed, crossing the bridge will become a more pleasant experience.”
Commenting on the appointment, Luke Normington, Neology’s Senior Vice of Europe, the Middle
East and Africa (EMEA), said: “Following a highly competitive tender, which focused on technical
expertise and innovation, we are proud to have been entrusted with this project.
“Bringing our global expertise in the tolling solutions, coupled with our long-term expertise in the
UK, provides the perfect understanding of how to deliver this solution to improve the experience
of the people who travel on that bridge, every day.
“We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Andrew Arundel and the team at the
Humber Bridge.”
