Volunteer gets permanent role
AFORMER volunteer at the Mersey Gateway visitor centre at the Catalyst Museum in Widnes has been recruited to the tolls operation team.
Lynda Forshaw, of Runcorn, is helping drivers register for discounts to cross the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges.
A Merseyflow spokesman said that when Lynda first saw a chance to become a Mersey Gateway volunteer, she jumped at the chance to learn more about the project and its aims.
After working as a volunteer at the Catalyst Centre for 16 months, Lynda, 66, saw a leaflet advertising for staff at Merseyflow’s Runcorn office in Manor Park.
She realised she could put her knowledge to use and filed a CV with help from her son.
Just days later Lynda was offered a job working in the Merseyflow post room.
The spokesman said more than 14,000 motorists have registered to date and more are being urged to beat the rush when the second road crossing opens.
Lynda said: “I was a bit shocked when I got the job, to be honest.
“It was a little daunting at first, as Merseyflow and its team have only recently swung into full-time operation, but it’s a fantastic atmosphere and a really friendly bunch of people. ●
“We’re all committed to making sure we give the best possible service to people registering for tolls, and there’s a really strong team spirit among everyone, as we’ve all started at the same time.”
Anthony Alicastro, Emovis Operations (Mersey) Ltd chief executive, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emovis, which runs the Merseyflow operation, welcomed Lynda to the team.
Mr Alicastro said: “We’re building up a strong team here, with excellent local knowledge and a real interest in the benefits the Mersey Gateway Bridge will bring to the area.
“We’re looking for more enthusiastic, energetic people like Lynda to join the merseyflow team, if you’re interested, head to the website and get in touch.”
Motorcycles will cross the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges for free.
Register for discounts at www.merseyflow.co.uk
Alternatively call the call centre on 01928 878 878, or visit the walk-in centre at 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SJ.
Opening hours for both are 8am-8pm weekdays and 9am-6pm weekends and bank holidays.
Merseyflow is also running a temporary registration service at the Halton Direct Link on Brook Street in Widnes until the end of August, and its hours are 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-1pm Saturday.
Eligible Halton residents living in homes in council tax bands A-F will be able to pay a £10 annual registration fee to cross for free.
Anyone, wherever they live, can also register for a pre-pay account, or monthly pass which both give discounts on the full unregistered toll fee.
Unregistered vehicle owners will pay £2 per car upwards with extra charges for larger vehicles.
Blue Badge holders will also be able to register for unlimited travel on the bridges after providing copies of the front and back of their blue badge and paying a one-off £5 admin fee.
Those who register will receive a Merseyflow sticker to place in their windscreen.
This sticker means the vehicle will be recognised when travelling across the bridges, and will ensure they do not receive a penalty charge notice as long as there are funds in their account.
A guide outlining exactly where to place the sticker is also available.
Merseyflow has produced a range of leaflets to explain the registration process.
The Mersey Gateway bridge is expected to open this autumn.
When it opens the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be closed to road traffic for up to 12 months while it is refurbished.
During this time the Silver Jubilee Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.