How to pay to cross the new bridge
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GUIDANCE has been issued for those wanting to pay for a one-off journey across the new Mersey Gateway Bridge when it opens in the next few weeks with fines of up to £60 for late payment of tolls.
More than 60,000 vehicles have now been registered for either discounted or free crossings across the river in Halton.
Occasional users do not have to register to cross the bridge and can instead pay for a one-off journey.
Though there are no toll booths on the new bridge, Merseyflow said it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure they have paid to cross it.
Drivers will be able to pay in advance up to 12 months before they cross the bridge or until 11.59pm the day after they have used the new crossing.
If someone crosses the bridge and does not pay on time they will receive a fine of up to £60.
Chief executive of Halton Borough Council and the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board David Parr said: “This is a major strategic route in and out of the Liverpool City Region and by adopting a free-flow system what we’re doing is giving people quicker and more reliable journeys.
“But the flip side of that is that it means drivers do have to remember to pay – either in advance or after they cross – so we’re working hard to make sure everyone knows they have to do so.”
A Merseyflow spokesman said there will be some people who just use the bridge occa- ● sionally for trips or visits to relatives, who will just want to pay for one-off journeys rather than get the benefit of a discounted pre-pay plan.
Drivers will need to give their vehicle registration details when they pay.
Emovis Operations (Mersey) Ltd chief executive Anthony Alicastro said: “It will be very easy for people to pay for one-off crossings when the new bridge opens – you will be able to pay online, by phone, at our walk-in centre or by using Payzone.
“We know that there are people who travel through Halton very occasionally so it is important that we make it clear to them they have to pay and make it easy for them to do so.”
Ways for occasional users to pay include online via the Merseyflow website, at a walkin centre at Howard Court in Runcorn, by calling 01928 878 878, or at one of the 10,000 Payzone outlets in the UK.
For more information visit www.merseyflow.co.uk