00:00Drivers using the time tunnel are facing higher tolls as new charges come into effect this week, with increases affecting
00:07all vehicle types crossing the river time.
00:10For cars, vans and buses under 3.5 tonnes, the toll rises to £2.60, while heavier vehicles will pay
00:19£5.20 for each journey.
00:21Drivers who use a prepaid account with TT2 receive a 10% discount, reducing the cost for regular users who
00:29keep accounts topped up or pay through the automated time pass system.
00:33The North East Combined Authority oversees the arrangement and pays a shadow toll to the operator under a long-standing
00:40contract that increases with inflation each year.
00:43That funding is used to cover running costs for both tunnels, as well as repayments for the second tunnel construction,
00:50which was delivered as part of the wider crossing upgrade.
00:53The toll system replaced traditional booths in 2021, moving to an automatic camera system requiring payment online, by phone or
01:01in selected shops by midnight the next day.
01:04TT2 reports millions of journeys each year alongside revenue from unpaid toll notices.
01:09While the system continues to attract debate over penalties and enforcement linked to missed payments across the North East region
01:16today.
01:17The operator says the latest increase is needed to meet ongoing maintenance costs and contractual obligations.
01:23The Combined Authority says it aims to keep charges broadly aligned with long-term funding arrangements for the crossing.
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