A LORRY with a "big flashing sign" urging people to pay their toll or be fined £60 has been suggested as a potential measure after thousands were caught out by the Tyne Tunnel.
The Mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority has responded as the tunnel continues to face huge amounts of backlash over its payment and appeal system.
The Northern Echo earlier this month revealed how thousands - including an MP - were calling for longer to pay, clearer signage and introduction of an independent appeals system.
Read more: Anger over appeals process after thousands of drivers fined £60 at Tyne Tunnel
A petition set up by Gary Spedding has so far passed 10,000 signatures where it calls on urgent changes to the way toll charges are applied and the current system scrapped.
Meanwhile, Labour South Shields MP, Emma Lewell-Buck last week said her office had been "inundated" with complaints from concerned constituents.
She revealed that since November, drivers had been threatened with bailiffs over a £1.90 fare - and in some cases, taking a toll on their mental health.
Read more: Thousands of drivers sign petitions over £60 fines at Tyne Tunnel
In recent weeks, drivers have also claimed signage informing drivers of roadworks had meant existing signs were not obvious.
But in a statement, Labour Mayor Jamie Driscoll said that TT2 and Transport North East had been asked to "improve" the signage - but appeared to defend some concerns.
He said: "As Mayor, I don't run the tunnel, so I've spoken to TT2 and Transport North East, and asked them to improve the signage.
'Parking a lorry with a big flashing sign'
"While there's roadworks and cones, there'll be people who won't see the signs.
"I've suggested parking a lorry near the tunnel entrances with a big flashing sign saying 'pay the toll or you'll get fined'.
"I'm told the app has been updated and the bugs fixed - and you can always ring up to pay, the phone lines are open 24/7.
"If you feel you've been let down by the payment systems appeal - 43 percent of appeals were upheld in the first month."
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The comments acknowledging the problems - and suggesting ways to resolve the problems - came after he said drivers' anger is "understandable."
He said: "If people have tried to pay their toll fee, and ended up being fined because the system has let them down, their anger is understandable.
"Most of the payment systems worked well - 95 percent of journeys worked fine - but even five percent is still thousands of people getting fined. In some cases because the app wasn't ready in time.
"In other cases because they simply did not realise they needed to pay - especially if they are from outside the area and unfamiliar with the tunnels. If that is happening, then the signage needs improving."
But not everyone was convinced by Mr Driscoll's reply as some said the suggested measures came across with sarcasm.
Meanwhile, others said they felt his response was disappointing and partly echoed the response provided by operators, TT2.
Previously responding to concerns, TT2 said there are costs associated with unpaid tolls and that it had implemented transitional rules to help people get used to the new ways of paying.
A spokesperson said: “In terms of the payment terms, drivers have until midnight the day after their journey to pay for their trip, which is the same as all open road tolling systems in the UK.
"This timeframe is intended to encourage people to pay quickly after their journey before they forget. Research has shown that a longer timeframe to pay increases that risk that people forget as payment is a lower priority.
“With regards to signage – we have installed numerous temporary signs while roadworks are underway at both the north and south bound entrances.
"They make clear that a toll is payable, how much it will be, when it needs to be paid by, how to make payment (cash, phone or online) and the consequences if payment is not made.
"We point all customers to our website where we have a whole section on ‘using the tunnels’ and encourage them to take up the free pre-paid account which entitles them to ten percent off every journey no matter how infrequently used.”
Tyne Tunnel owner, Transport North East previously said it makes the timeframe clear and that TT2 staff must follow the rules in place when it comes to appeals.
It also said that it is satisfied that a fair system on deciding appeals is in place.
You can view what Tyne Tunnel owners, Transport North East said in full by clicking here
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