A19: Tyne Tunnel to STOP accepting cash and will remove toll booths

The tunnels, which continues the A19 north from Jarrow, near South Shields, will stop accepting cash as part of plans to "speed up travel time and reduce congestion."

Read more: This is who can use the Tyne Tunnel for free - as cash payments to be scrapped

In a statement over the weekend, Tyne Tunnel bosses said customers would soon have to either use a prepaid account, Pay Later or use a PayPoint retailer.

However, the move has prompted significant backlash with many taking to social media to share their concern over the risk of forgetting to pay later and receiving a fine.

Meanwhile, others have said the move is another step towards a "cashless society," and that the current charge should be scrapped. 

Currently, it costs £1.90 for a single journey which can either be paid using the options above, or by placing coins into a collection machine at the toll booths.

What Tyne Tunnel has said

Bosses have said the move is part of plans to progress to 'Open Road Tolling,' which will see the removal of the toll booths to speed up travel time and reduce congestion.

Online, they have said drivers will no longer need to wait in traffic behind those paying their toll in cash, while making it "easier" as drivers will not need to search for cash.

They have claimed this will also lead to less pollution in the area, with cars not needing to stop and start again.

Meanwhile, it said the move would be better for business, saying it will improve the transport link meaning goods can be transported faster.

In a statement on its website, it said: "Not needing to stop at the toll plazas will reduce journey times and congestion for everyone.

"Following improvements to the Silverlink Bypass road infrastructure, and ongoing improvements at Testo’s roundabout with the new A19 flyover, your journey along the A19 will be smoother than ever."

'Absolutely awful'

But not everyone has agreed as disgruntled drivers have raised concerns - with some saying older drivers may be left behind and tourists will not know what to do.

One person said: "Absolutely awful. They'll force everyone to go online payments, but continue to fine after 24 hours - regardless of age/technical abilities."

Another said: "Keep the option for cash payment. Doesn't make sense opening a prepaid account when you use it once or twice a year.

"Pity the poor tourists who go blasting through then get hit by a fine."

One raised concern claiming they did not use a contactless card after the Tyne Tunnel responded saying those without such cards would need to find a PayPoint retailer to settle the toll.

They urged bosses to consider extending the payment period - which is midnight the following day after your original journey - to be further extended. 

Why the Tyne Tunnel charges a fee

The introduction of the major changes to the Tyne Tunnel has re-ignited the debate on why there is a charge to use it.

Online, a statement said the charge remains as they do not benefit from centrally-funded maintenance.

It said: "The construction of both Tyne Tunnels was self-funded (the first one partly) and so ultimately paid for by the people that use them through toll revenue.

"The Tyne Tunnels are private roads that do not benefit from centrally-funded maintenance, refurbishment or operational support."

For more information on the Tyne Tunnel changes - click here

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