Call to renew bridge discount plans
DRIVERS in Halton have been urged to renew their Merseyflow discount plans to beat the rush when its walk-in centre reopens.
Motorists will once again be able to use the Manor Park office in Runcorn when nonessential retailers are allowed to open under the Government’s lockdown “roadmap” from April 12.
The centre has been shut since January and merseyflow said it expects demand to be high, with potentially three months of renewals taking place at the same time.
Strict social distancing also makes a queue more likely, and more likely to wind its way outside.
Drivers can avoid the jam by renewing online or over the phone.
A merseyflow spokeswoman said Halton residents whose annual discount plans had been due to expire since the start of 2021 have been given an automatic extension, but that extension will be ending in the coming weeks.
The plans offer free crossings to most residents and blue badge holders in exchange for an annual £10 registration fee, and apply to both the Mersey Gateway bridge and the recently reopened Silver
Jubilee Bridge.
Scanned copies of a valid driving licence, current council tax bill and V5C vehicle registration certificate are required.
Neil Conway, Merseyflow chief executive, said: “We’re proactively contacting all Halton residents whose plans would normally have expired during the past three months to encourage them to renew as soon as possible.
“While we’re looking forward to hopefully re-opening our walk-in centre to the public next month, we are anticipating an increased demand for this service and are urging anyone who needs to renew to use our website or call centre if they can.
“It’s important to make sure you have an active plan in place to continue to benefit from your discount on Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridge crossings, and to avoid being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) due to a simple oversight.
“Especially if you haven’t driven in a while.”
The Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridge span the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes , Cheshire.
● To renew, call 01928 878 878 or visit www. merseyflow.co.uk