CONTACTLESS card payment trials in the Mersey Tunnels have been hailed as a “major success” – but there is STILL no date for when the service will be rolled out in full.

It comes despite earlier promises that the system would be in full operation by September, and the news came as part of updates presented to Liverpool City Region combined authority’s transport committee.

Those updates are listed below:

1. In-lane card payments trial a ‘major success’

The committee was told by head of customer delivery at Merseytravel Gary Evans that trials of in-lane card payments in both the Birkenhead Queensway and Wallasey Kingsway tunnels this week had been a “major success”.

It’s the latest trial of contactless payments after one carried out in August “teased out a number of issues, some of which prevented the system being launched”.

He told the committee on Thursday: “I’m pleased to report this week we were actually live in the staff lanes of both tunnels. On Tuesday we were at Queensway and this morning we were at Kingsway.

“Observing that personally, it’s been what I consider to be a major success. We’ve seen the transaction times and processes become more efficient both for the customer and the staff.”

Following the trials in August, it was initially hoped the full launch would come in the second week of September across both tunnels, but drivers can still only pay with cash in the un-staffed lanes.

2. But there’s STILL no date for a full roll-out

The report considered by members said the “final solution” of a full roll-out has been “technically challenging” and, while the installation of hardware has been delivered on time, it is “not at a point that final sign off can be approved”.

The report added: “Once the solution is deployed, the next stage will see a range of soft launch of the contactless card payment system – starting initially in staffed lanes, then moving to auto lanes.

“Traffic flow and impacts for the customer will be closely monitored during this period.”

3. M53 Gorelink resurfacing update, and when the works will start

Major works to the M53 Gorelink – the section connecting the Wallasey tunnel roads from Bidston Moss viaduct through to toll plaza – are expected to begin this month, and be completed by March next year.

Mr Evans told the committee: “That will be a significant piece of work and one that we are very conscious could be disruptive for customers if it’s not planned and delivered in an effective way.

“We are in the process of validating those tenders, and looking at options before coming forward with a more detailed plan to ensure less disruption for our customers.”

It’s been funded by a £3m grant from the government, with Merseytravel contributing 10% on top of the figure.

4. New system designed to help traffic lane control

A new system design has been completed that will help with traffic lane control in the two tunnels.

The new system will be operational by March 2019 after meetings with stakeholders were held recently to get feedback on the final design and equipment.

Mr Evans said “excellent work” had been done on the new system, which will help modernise them, as well as improve officials’ communication.

5. Work is ongoing to reduce carbon emissions

When asked by committee member Cllr Gordon Friel what was being done to reduce carbon emissions, he was told work was ongoing to renew the jet fans, which are used to clear smoke in the event of an emergency.

He was told the carbon reduction measures were being monitored closely, and the committee would be updated fully as part of the next meeting.