CONTACTLESS payment will now be accepted on the Itchen Bridge.

Southampton City Council says that the payment method can be used, along with SmartCities Cards and cash.

Card readers are being installed on the toll booths this week, and using a SmartCities Card remains the only way to claim resident discount.

Drivers are being urged to have their card ready as they approach the booth.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer Organisation, comments: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to introduce contactless payment as an option on the Itchen Bridge.

"We’ve been committed to this for some time as a convenient option for people making the crossing.

"We’ve now managed to overcome the challenges with introducing it in this location for the benefit of everyone using the crossing.” 

The bridge costs 80p at peak times for cars and small vans, and 70p in off-peak hours.

Southampton City Council says the toll serves the purpose of managing congestion on the bridge by encouraging drivers to take other routes.

The money is also used to cover ongoing maintenance, repair, and running costs of the bridge.