The great barrier relief
AUTOMATIC SYSTEM TO REPLACE BARRIERS AT TYNE TUNNEL
BARRIERS will be scrapped from the Tyne Tunnel as a “99.9% reliable” new technology is introduced to reduce traffic jams.
The plan to decrease journey times will overhaul the current system by installing Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) to replace the need for cash or electronic permits in the future.
The technology is being tested and is hoped to be in use by the end of November.
TT2 customer operations manager, Chris Ward, said ANPR would “reduce congestion” and offer a more reliable service.
Speaking to The Chronicle, he said: “ANPR should reduce congestion as there will be quicker access through the tunnel.
“It will also be more reliable. We’ve had feedback that the current windscreen tags don’t always get picked up.
“The ANPR tests are going really well and we have a 99.9% success rate so far.”
Drivers will have to register their vehicle’s details online and will then pay a toll of £1.53 in advance of their journey, 17p cheaper than the cash payment price of £1.70. Barriers are currently placed at the north side of the tunnel and drivers have a choice of paying the exact amount of cash on arrival or buying an electronically-tagged permit in advance.
The new ANPR technology will be an additional option for drivers by the end of the month. But it will be the only method of payment in the long term as the tunnel looks to adopt a “free-flow system”.
An exact date for removal of the barriers is not yet known.
Mr Ward said: “We are looking to phase out the electronic tags and cash payments over a period of time and move to a free-flow system.
“People who currently have permits will still be able to use them but soon we won’t be issuing any new ones.” Large signs have been put up in the tunnel, which connects Jarrow and North Shields, to notify motorists of the arrival of ANPR.
The ANPR tests are going really well and we have a 99.9% success rate so far
Chris Ward