At the last bridge in Holland, you (still) have to pay in cash

With some names you couldn't imagine they were young at all. Baby named Jacobs, Pip or Hendrika? Madness. We suspect that these are the names that were chosen for growth. The place where this does not happen is the city of Newburgh. Because let's just say: it's not that new anymore. In fact, the oldest and only bridge in the Netherlands is located there.

Nieuwerbrug was founded in 1651 when a bridge was built over the Oude Rijn. It's a smart move to label something as “vintage”, then you can be sure that it is always true after a certain age. Anyway: A new bridge guard was appointed at the beginning of this month, and under his leadership the bridge's toll will rise for the first time since 2002. It remains free for cyclists and pedestrians.

One of the last toll roads

At the end of this year, if all goes well, you will pay tolls on the A24 (between the A15 and A20), but this is a temporary solution until we start charging in 2030. There are also plans to make the Kiltunnel free by then. Next year, the West Scheldt Tunnel will become free for motorists. This bridge may still be the only toll road.

The historic bridge has just been completely renovated, so the reserves need to be replenished. Cars now have to pay 80 cents instead of 50 cents. For boats, the bridge keeper lowers the fishing rod with a wooden clog into which toll money can be placed. Boats now pay €2.75 instead of €1.75. Nieuwerbrug residents can purchase a small toll for €5 that allows them to cross the bridge for one year.

You still have to pay in cash

The 80 cent fee won't make you poor, but it's a bit inconvenient to have to pay cash. It is not possible to cross the bridge quickly, as there is a gate in front of the passage. If the bridge guard is in a good mood, he may let you pass, but otherwise you have to take a ten-minute detour via Bodegraven, or a fifteen-minute detour via Woerden.

However, the new bridge operator has informed Top Gear that a PIN device will be available soon, so anyone will have no reason not to pay. How do you feel driving over the last toll bridge in the Netherlands? We had no idea – we didn't have 80 cents in our pockets so we turned around. One consolation: Fort Wierickerschans was in beautiful condition.