AN 'improved' tap and go card payment system will be in operation at the Mersey Tunnels from next week.

The new contactless system is part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s wider modernisation programme for the cross river route.

It aims to almost halve the transaction time for card payments and improve traffic flow on the toll plaza during busy periods and cut air pollution.

Described as being 'backed by customer feedback', the new system will replace previous card payment devices introduced in 2019.

Wirral councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: "With over 80,000 journeys a day, the tunnels are critical to the social and economic wellbeing of our region, so continued investment is needed to keep them running both efficiently and safely.

"This includes investing in modern technology as well as ensuring the year-round maintenance programme takes place to keep the tunnels open.

"We’ve ensured that the upgrade can be completed without having to close the plazas and I’d like to thank users for their patience while the upgrade is completed.”

The upgrade will begin at the Queensway (Birkenhead) and Kingsway (Wallasey) Tunnels from Monday, November 18, when card payment machines will be gradually installed in all lanes.

As Mersey Tunnel teams will be working on the plaza, tunnel users are advised to drive carefully, leave more time for their journey and look out for the correct lane signage on the plaza during the transition.