Criticism of the new cashless toll payments at the Tyne Tunnel has been “disproportionate”, a new report claims.
An appraisal of the controversial barrierless system, which has been in place at the busy crossing since last year, for the tunnel’s owners concludes that its main goals “have all been achieved successfully”. That is despite the switchover proving seriously unpopular with many drivers – with problems surrounding the new payment methods, warning signs, and the “threatening” enforcement of fines for unpaid tolls having sparked outrage and seen the changes branded an “absolute disaster” earlier this year.
A review conducted by Transport North East (TNE), which manages tunnel operator TT2’s contract on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee, found that the ‘Tyne Pass’ scheme had cut carbon emissions and reduced journey times on the A19. The report, which will be presented to councillors at a meeting this Thursday, is separate to a review into complaints about the Tyne Tunnel by watchdog Transport Focus, which is also due to be completed this month.
