The operator of the Humber Bridge has closed a loophole that was allowing some hauliers to use a deferred payment scheme like “an extended line of credit”.
The change came after free-flow lanes and a Tag system were introduced on the bridge last month (CM 29 October). Although the option to pay with cash at manned booths or use the deferred payment scheme remains, bills for the latter now have to be settled sooner.
Speaking about the deferred scheme, a spokesman for the Humber Bridge said: “We set it up for people who turned up without their wallet or with a card. However, some companies cottoned on that they could use it as an extended line of credit.
“Although we have now introduced an electronic tolling system, we still take cash and we still have the deferred payment scheme, but you now have to settle within a few days [instead of weeks].”
One King’s Lynn-based haulier, who asked to remain anonymous, told CM that the introduction of the Tag was expensive, as operators need to purchase the discs individually for vehicles, and inflexible and it had relied on the deferred payment system.
“Drivers didn’t have to carry cash with them, so it was advantageous for us to use it,” he explained. “We are now having to ask the guys to make sure they have enough cash with them. If it’s from Hull to Immingham and it’s an odd job it’s uneconomical for us and we are now having to say no [to the work].”
