Drivers using the Tyne Tunnel are now required to drive straight through without stopping as a new 'open road toll' system is in place.
The new Tyne Pass system requires Tyne Tunnel users to either pay their toll fare in advance or later that same day. But those who fail to pay by midnight of the day after their journey risk fines.
Fine amounts for missing a Tyne Tunnel toll payment are either £30, £60 or £100 plus the toll charge depending on how quickly the fine is settled. Tunnel operator TT2 has faced criticism since the cashless system launched with tens of thousands of fines being issued each month.
Read more: Tyne Tunnel cashless system - how it works, how to pay the toll and how to top-up
Those who prefer to pay in advance can set up accounts and top them up. Fares are deducted from pre-paid accounts after the account holder's registered vehicle passes through the tunnel.
There are a range of options for those who wish to pay later. Tyne Tunnel users can pay their toll fares online, over the phone or at PayPoint tills. They have until midnight the day after their journey to pay the toll. Drivers who miss the deadlines risk being fined.
TT2 says: "TT2 always recommend you pay for your journey as soon as possible although we do allow up until midnight of the following day of your journey to make payment."
What happens if I forget to pay Tyne Tunnel toll?
According to the Tyne Tunnel's charging schedule, those who miss their deadline to pay are initially fined £60, which is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of the date the fine was generated. They also have to pay the toll fare. If they fail to pay that £60 fine within 28 days, it rises to £100 plus "additional administrative charges" as the case will be passed to a third-party debt collector.
"If TT2 don’t receive your toll payment before the time stated on the ticket, TT2 will need to contact the DVLA to request the name and address of the Registered Keeper of the vehicle so that an Unpaid Toll Charge Notice (UTCN) can be sent," says the Tyne Tunnel owners.
Can I appeal a Tyne Tunnel fine?
Yes. If you think you should not have been fined, then it is possible to challenge it through an appeals process.
TT2 says: "All representations (appeals) to TT2 must be made via our appeals portal or in writing by post to the address printed on the UTCN Letter. The easiest and quickest way to appeal is by using our online appeals portal which will then automatically place your Unpaid Toll Charge Notice (UTCN) on hold whilst your appeal is being reviewed. If your appeal is denied the charge level and time period will be resumed.
"Please note we do not accept appeals via email or social media."
Head to https://payyourtoll.tt2.co.uk/payutcn/ to launch an appeal against a Tyne Tunnel penalty charge.
