‘We have the best signage scheme’: Tyne Tunnel boss defends new system

Tyne Tunnel operators have stated that the system's signage is the "best scheme" possible.

The important toll road connecting North Tyneside and South Tyneside changed to a cashless system last year.

After initial teething problems with backed up traffic and wrong fines, the Tunnel then reported a 95% compliance rate suggesting that locals were on board with the change.

That percentage was also higher than seen at similar models in Merseyside and Kent after similar changes.

However, users are once again sharing stories of misunderstanding and wrong fines.

The BBC recently reported of a driver 300 miles away receiving a fine, despite never using the Tunnel.

Some online have blamed the Tyne Tunnel's signage as a cause of the problem, blasting it as 'not adequate' and 'rubbish'.

The Tunnel currently uses temporary yellow signs and rotates a payment message on a large advertising screen.

NewcastleWorld asked TT2 to provide clarification on their signage system in place.

Chief Executive at TT2, Philip Smith, said: “Currently we have temporary yellow signs as mandated by law in roadworks and we have ensured that every customer on every route sees at least two ‘pay by midnight’ signs and two ‘payment option details’ signs as a minimum - on some routes, for example A19 northbound, there are actually eight signs.

“Our team carry out daily checks on the signs and we also record videos as a record of signage that is in place.

“We have worked with local authority highways officers and the DfT to design the best signage scheme we can – and have enhanced it further by using the large advertising screens at the entrances to each of the tunnels.”