Wallace takes the reins for Tyne Tunnels

Adrian Wallace is the new chief executive of the transport link, which forms part of the A19, linking North and South Tyneside to the east of Newcastle.

Wallace has worked in senior positions in the health, education, infrastructure and property sectors in the UK and internationally.

Posts include asset chief executive at Fulcrum Infrastructure Management and chief executive of ULiving@Hertfordshire.

From 2016 until June 2021, he was the chief executive of Tramlink Nottingham, helping to build, maintain and operate this vital piece of Nottingham’s infrastructure.

Recent years have seen improvement in the Tunnels’ infrastructure with the introduction of the Tyne Pass free-flow system. The new system has reduced congestion, cut journey times, modernised infrastructure, and created 80 new local permanent jobs, the organisation said.

Wallace sees large infrastructure schemes like the Tyne Tunnels as catalysts for regeneration and economic growth.

“Now that Tyne Tunnels has successfully transitioned from toll booths to a more modern, free-flow system, I intend to build on these changes, improving methods of payment and cementing our position in the North East infrastructure,” he said.

“My approach is customer-driven. I will ensure the absolute focus of the organisation is the customer. It is the 1.6m customers driving though the tunnels each month that we need to be conscious of, creating a service that evolves with their needs. A one size fits all approach may not be suitable for everyone, so we will be reviewing our products.”

He added: “I hope to work closer with local community groups and key stakeholders to see how we can play a greater role in the region, offering meaningful social and economic impact.”