Free flow tolling has moved a step closer at the Humber Bridge.

The Humber Bridge Board has appointed industry-leading US company Neology to install a new tolling system designed to improve the customer experience and revolutionise how payments are taken.

The new system will see the bridge go fully booth-free for the first time in its 43-year history, with payments being made through a new website and mobile app.

As part of the project, those wishing to pay with cash will be able to do so via Paypoint at key locations across the region, although cash will not be taken at the Humber Bridge or the Humber Bridge offices.

Once completed, the new system will increase requirements for back-office staff, meaning those currently working in the toll booths will be offered the opportunity to apply for new roles. Richard Hannigan, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board and Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, described the appointment of Neology as a key milestone in delivering the new toll system project.

The multi-million pound scheme will utilise key technologies including artificial intelligence and automatic number plate recognition, Cllr Hannigan explained, to significantly improve the user experience.

Andrew Arundel, Chief Operating Officer of the Humber Bridge, reassured motorists that disruption will be kept to a minimum during the installation phase of the scheme.

He said: “Currently, the project is in the design stage meaning work will not begin on site for several months.

“When it does, understandably there will be some concern it will generate a large amount of disruption for bridge users. Whereas this might be the case during some of the key moments in the project, the schedule of work will be designed to keep disruption to a minimum.

“Once the work is completed, crossing the bridge will become a more pleasant experience.”

Commenting on the appointment, Luke Normington, Neology’s Senior Vice of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “Following a highly competitive tender, which focused on technical expertise and innovation, we are proud to have been entrusted with this project.

“Bringing our global expertise in the tolling solutions, coupled with our long-term expertise in the UK, provides the perfect understanding of how to deliver this solution to improve the experience of the people who travel on that bridge, every day.

“We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Andrew Arundel and the team at the Humber Bridge.”