A new electronic cashless toll collection system will be installed by the US Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the six bi-state crossing.

The authority has awarded a $10m contract to PBSJ Architecture and Engineering for programme management services for the tolling system, which is expected to cost $175m.

The new equipment will take a digital photo of each licence plate and mail the bill to the registered owner, allowing payments with a credit card over the phone, on a website or by mail.

Installation is expected between late 2012 and the end of 2014, and is aimed at reducing emissions and billing problems, eliminating lane closings, and improving signage to allow drivers to find the correct lane more easily.

The six crossings include the GW Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and the Bayonne, Goethals and Outerbridge bridges, according to traffictechnologytoday.com.