A short statutory instrument, SI 2026/251, amends the Humber Bridge Act 1959. The change sits alongside the Board’s move to ANPR-based free‑flow charging and the 2025 byelaws, modernising the legal framework rather than overhauling it. The current powers for tolling and governance continue to rest on the Humber Bridge Acts 1959 to 2013. (humberbridge.co.uk)
Operationally, the key rule for users is the payment window. Under Board guidance, a crossing must be paid for by 23:59 on the day after travel, reflecting the shift away from toll booths to an account‑based system branded ‘Humber Bridge Toll’. The Board previously confirmed the digital rollout for early 2026. (humberbridge.co.uk)
Missing that deadline triggers an Unpaid Toll Notification and adds an administration charge to the toll. The Board states the administration charge is £25, replacing the former £15 level. Further steps follow if payment remains outstanding. (humberbridge.co.uk)
Liability for tolls is not limited to the driver. The 2025 byelaws make the driver and the registered keeper jointly and severally liable, supporting the Board’s practice of requesting keeper details from DVLA when a toll is unpaid. (humberbridge.co.uk)
If an Unpaid Toll Notification is ignored, a Violation Charge Notification may issue, followed by a Final Notification. Debts can then be passed to third‑party recovery 60 days after the crossing; referral adds a £75 administration amount and may lead to civil action. (humberbridge.co.uk)
The byelaws were confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport on 11 November 2025 and commenced on 28 November 2025. They also provide for a byelaw offence punishable up to level 3 on the standard scale and set updated definitions, including for self‑driving vehicles. (humberbridge.co.uk)
For motorists and fleets, compliance actions are straightforward: open a Humber Bridge Toll account, keep registration marks accurate, enable auto top‑up where appropriate, or use PayPoint to make guest payments. The Board’s terms make clear that late‑payment surcharges are avoidable but automatic once the deadline passes. (humberbridge.co.uk)
Concessions and exemptions remain. Motorcycles are exempt; disability concessions require documentary evidence and annual renewal; emergency service fleets must register an exemption account. Patients receiving certain treatments at Castle Hill Hospital may access free crossings administered by the hospital. (humberbridge.co.uk)
Non‑UK‑registered vehicles are also in scope. The Board uses Euro Parking Collection to administer outstanding tolls for overseas keepers, meaning cross‑border enforcement can follow if a payment is missed. (epcplc.com)
Implementation is live and iterative. The Board shifted the go‑live to early 2026 and reported temporary issues with the mobile app at launch; the website remains the primary channel for payment and account management. (humberbridge.co.uk)