Cashless Tunnel ‘saving planet as well as your time’
THE operator of the Tyne Tunnel says motorists are not only saving time on their journeys since the launch of the new cashless system, but they are also doing their bit to help the environment.
‘Open-road tolling’ at the busy tunnel was introduced on November 8 and – according to statistics on the Tyne Tunnel’s official website – road users travelling northbound have managed to shave 30 seconds off their journeys since the Tyne Pass launched.
Before the new system, the average travel time was 306 seconds for those heading north, but dropped to 276 seconds after the launch.
Those travelling southbound saved 16 seconds.
KgCO2 emissions from traffic using the Tyne Tunnels was also measured. Based on standard emissions volumes by traffic type, and compared with 2019/2020, average kgCO2 emissions figures show a significant decrease at the launch of Tyne Pass, as toll booths were removed, along with the requirements for all vehicles to stop at the barriers.
Sunderland City Council aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2040, whereas Newcastle City Council plans to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
However, the successes of the new system haven’t come without
teething problems and many people were faced with delays as the system was launched.
Tunnel operator TT2 apologised for the inconvenience caused as the new system found its feet.
Chief executive Philip Smith said in a statement: “We anticipated some delays in the initial days as people got used to the signage and new road layout. We apologise for any inconvenience experienced during this transitional period.
“Delays were primarily caused by the impact of change and the roadworks that have been necessary as we prepared and started to demolish and remove the toll booth plazas.
“There are still roadworks in place but once demolition and construction of the new lanes are completed, things will continue to improve.”
Some road users were also handed hefty fines due to an array of different circumstances when open-road tolling came into play.
In each case, TT2 decided whether the unpaid toll charge notices (UTCNs) would be upheld.
Mr Smith said: “Changing a tolling-system that has been in operation for decades will naturally take customers some time to get used to.
“We are working with customers to help them through the transition.
“We anticipated an initial spike in UTCNs and so in agreement
with Transport North East we have implemented some transitional rules as people got used to a new system and ways of paying. This has the benefit of allowing us to uphold more appeals and reflects on TT2’s commitment to working with our customers.
“We are confident our non-compliance rate is set to reduce.
“Already Tyne Pass non-compliance is lower than the equivalent period for similar systems at both Dartford and Mersey.
“Setting up a pre-paid account is proving to be popular – 74% of journeys are already paid for this way – and is one way to ensure people don’t forget to pay.
“Alternatively, customers can pay before they travel by going online.”
Mr Smith also spoke of how non-compliance also affects TT2 as well as customers.
“It is in our best interests for as many customers as possible, to pay on time,” he explained.
“TT2 is obliged to reduce the number of UTCNs, as we will be penalised and face a fine from the tunnel owners, Transport North East, if we fail to do so.”
Despite anticipating a noncompliance percentage of between 3% and 4% for the first 12 months of open-road tolling, the month in operation has shown a slightly higher rate of 5.39%.
Around 43% of appeals have been upheld since the changes were made.