Southampton's Itchen toll bridge to become automatic

Work to install the new system is expected to start in May

Twelve jobs could be axed after councillors agreed to use machines instead of people to take money at a toll bridge.

Southampton City Council said it believed the plan for Itchen Bridge would save £238,000 per year.

The idea was agreed by the cabinet on Monday night with the decision expected to be rubber-stamped at a meeting of full council in February.

Work to install the new system is expected to start in May.

It will use infra-red lights to detect the size of each vehicle and charge it the relevant fee.

A manager and a number of staff will remain on site to provide assistance.

The council is in talks with unions over the potential job losses.