Mersey Gateway and Tyne Tunnel: How to Pay & Avoid Fines
The UK's move to "free-flow" barrier-less tolling has caught out thousands of drivers. Without toll booths to stop you, it's easy to drive through and forget to pay—until the fine arrives.
The "Free-Flow" Trap Explained
Both the Mersey Gateway (between Runcorn and Widnes) and the Tyne Tunnels (near Newcastle) operate on a completely cashless, barrier-free system. Cameras read your number plate as you drive through at normal speed.
The Golden Rule: You must pay by midnight the day after your journey.
🌉 Mersey Gateway Bridge
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Runcorn - Widnes (Cheshire)
- 💷 Cost (Car): £2.00 per crossing
- ⏰ Deadline: Midnight the day after crossing
How to Pay Mersey Gateway
- Online: Visit the Merseyflow website.
- App: Download the Merseyflow Quick Pay app.
- Phone: Call 01928 878 878 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm).
- Payzone Outlet: Pay in cash at local participating stores.
⚠️ The Penalty
If you don't pay on time, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £40 (plus the toll fee). This rises to £60 if not paid within 14 days.
🚇 Tyne Tunnels (A19)
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: North Tyneside - South Tyneside
- 💷 Cost (Car): £2.20 per crossing
- ⏰ Deadline: Midnight the day after crossing
How to Pay Tyne Tunnels
The operator is called TT2.
- Online: Visit tt2.co.uk.
- App: Use the TT2 app.
- Pre-Paid Account: Save 10% on every journey by setting up a pre-paid account.
- PayPoint: Pay cash at retailers with a PayPoint terminal.
⚠️ The Penalty
Unpaid Toll Charge Notices (UTCN) start at £60 plus the toll, reducing to £30 if paid within 14 days. It escalates to £100+ if ignored.
Strategies to Avoid Fines
1. Pre-Pay or Auto-Pay
Both systems allow you to register a card. This is the safest method—the money is taken automatically, so you can't forget.
2. Pay BEFORE you travel
You can pay for crossings in advance. Merseyflow allows payments up to 12 months ahead.
What if I forgot?
If you realise you've missed the midnight deadline, contact them immediately. While the systems are
automated, showing genuine intent to pay before the letter
arrives might sometimes help, though usually, the automated
fine is generated instantly at midnight.
How to Appeal
If you receive a fine that is unfair (e.g., the signage was obscured, or their system was down), you have the right to appeal.
- Do NOT pay if you intend to appeal (paying admits liability).
- Gather evidence (receipts, timestamps, dashcam footage).
- Submit your appeal via the official website listed on the PCN/UTCN.
- If rejected, you can escalate to the independent adjudicator (Traffic Penalty Tribunal).
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