Tyne Tunnel launches hardship scheme allowing certain drivers to have fines waived

Those struggling to pay their Tyne Tunnel fines could have costs wiped under a new scheme set to launch in April.

Earlier this year the Joint Transport Committee, Tyne and Wear Sub Committee requested that TT2 implemented a scheme to allow those suffering from the rising costs of living to be exempt from an Unpaid Toll Charge Notice (UTCN).

A new service delivered by debt advice experts PayPlan has now been confirmed.

TT2 will refer individuals struggling to pay their fine to PayPlan, which will provide advice based on personal circumstances and debt management support.

In some cases, fines given out will also be waived.

Cllr Carl Johnson, Chair, Tyne and Wear Sub Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to put the new PayPlan debt advice service in place which will help those struggling to pay a UTCN as a result of financial hardship.

“As well as providing guidance relating to the unpaid toll charge, people using the new scheme will also receive personalised advice related to their individual circumstances, so I hope this will make a difference to those who need to use it.

“We know that there are local people who are struggling at the moment, including vulnerable people, so I hope people make use of this new system to get the help they need.”

To access the new system, individuals should contact TT2 Limited’s customer service line to discuss their UTCN.

There’s no threshold or requirement for customers to qualify for a fine to be waived and it will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

The customer service team is available on 0191 574 0031.

Iona Murray, Partnership Development Manager, PayPlan, said: “In 2022 we’ve already seen record demand for our free debt advice service which we only expect to increase further with the cost of living crisis.

“We understand that it can be really daunting to reach out to a stranger and have a conversation about your finances, so partnering with organisations to encourage more people to seek advice as early as possible is key to ensuring customers get the right support when they need it.

“We look forward to working with Tyne Tunnels to support individuals who find themselves struggling financially and unable to pay Toll Charge Notices.”