Full News Report

3rd October 2024

Speeding up Tamar crossing times

NEW machines installed at the Tamar Bridge poll booths have reduced the time it takes to make contactless card payments.

The installation of contactless card readers four years ago made it easier and quicker for drivers who wanted to pay by card, but research still showed that it was taking an average of 17 seconds per transaction.  

That time has now been reduced to an average of 6.5 seconds – with the fastest payments being made in just two seconds – following the installation of the new readers. 

Cornwall Council’s official press release reads:

“This is very good news for everyone crossing the Tamar Bridge,” said joint chairs Martin Worth and Jon Dingle – (personally, I’m always amazed when two people can say exactly the same thing at the same time!)

Anyway, the press release continues:

“Not only does it make the transaction quicker for those people who are paying by card but, by reducing the time they spend at the toll booth, it also speeds up journey times for everyone else as well.”

The new card readers were installed at the toll booths at the beginning of last month.  

Following a successful trial, carried out in one booth to iron out any potential network problems, the system has now gone live in all six booths – resulting in an average of more than ten seconds reduction in card payment times.

“This has been a challenging project which has involved liaising with a number of different organisations to find the right solution for the Bridge,” said Crossings’ general manager David List. 

“As well as installing the new card readers, we also needed to work with the toll system providers to upgrade their systems. With over 5,000 card transactions a day, these time savings add up and are very significant.

“The faster card readers have already reduced congestion at the toll booths and we are now seeing reduced journey times.  

“We hope that these increased payment speeds will also contribute towards reduced congestion in Saltash, and help with traffic flow during the upcoming National Highways tunnel upgrade project.”