DRIVERS using the Tyne Tunnel will notice a major change from today as they will be able to drive through without stopping.

Tyne Tunnel bosses have today switched on the new system which has now replaced booths as part of its barrier-free switch.

It comes after plans to move to 'Open Road Tolling' were announced earlier this year, with bosses saying the move will lead to a huge cut in pollution.

Read more: Drivers describe chaotic scenes as traffic comes to a stop at the Tyne Tunnel

However, concerns were raised at the time from drivers who claimed the removal of cash would cause disruption to some - while others feared fines would rise.

The Northern Echo: Picture: GOOGLEPicture: GOOGLE

But how does the system now work?

Previously, the Tyne Tunnel relied on drivers to come to a complete stop before barriers at the toll booths would open.

That meant drivers would have to wait a few seconds for the ANPR system to recognise their number plates / payment before allowing them to continue.

Read more: Tyne Tunnel users won't need to wait ten minutes before travel

That in itself posed problems as those who had recently-signed up to a pre-paid account had been left waiting for up to ten minutes for the system to recognise.

But from today, drivers will progress straight through as ANPR systems will record whether or not you have paid, storing registrations of those to 'Pay Later.'

It is understood that several lanes at the former Toll Booth zones will now be merged into just two as seen when travelling through the tunnels.

How to avoid getting a fine as new changes come in

Despite concerns over receiving a fine for non-payment, Tyne Tunnel bosses have said the move is one that is used elsewhere, including the Dartmouth Crossing.

Read more: Tyne Tunnel to STOP accepting cash and will remove toll booths

Drivers will now need to make payment before, or after, their journey in order to avoid receiving a hefty fine.

According to Tyne Tunnel bosses, drivers who do not make payment will recieve a £30 Unpaid Toll Charge Notice if paid within 14 days, or £60 if paid within 28 days.

Tyne Tunnel say drivers signing up to a pre-paid account here will get ten percent off every journey, with pre-loaded credit being deducted each time. 

Read more: The 5 'PayPoint' shops within a mile of Tyne Tunnel where you can pay cash

Meanwhile, they have said drivers can still 'Pay Later' by entering your registration number on the website here and making payment up until midnight the next day.

For those paying cash, although you cannot pay for your journey at the tunnels, drivers can still use a PayPoint retailer with the closest one being 300 metres away.

They said cash users can still pay for their journey up until the midnight the next day after their journey. They can also buy up to ten journeys in advance.

Journeys to be 'smoother than ever'

Tyne Tunnel bosses previously said the removal of toll booths is necessary as part of plans to progress to ‘Open Road Tolling,’ which will lead to "smoother" journeys.

In a statement, they said: “Not needing to stop at the toll plazas will reduce journey times and congestion for everyone.

“Following improvements to the Silverlink Bypass road infrastructure, and ongoing improvements at Testo’s roundabout with the new A19 flyover, your journey along the A19 will be smoother than ever.”

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