Register for free bridge crossings
T● HOUSANDS of Halton drivers have been warned they have until Saturday to register their vehicles to have free crossings on the Mersey Gateway bridge for the next 12 months.
Tolls operator Merseyflow has urged motorists to complete the process to make sure they do not miss out.
A Mersey Gateway project spokesman said up to 7,000 drivers had still not reregistered at the start of the week, while 20,000 had.
Those who have not done so by October 14 will have to pay to cross from then on.
A £10 registration fee applies and applicants must produce copies of their driving licence showing a Halton address, V5C vehicle form and a 2018-19 council tax bill.
The free crossings scheme is open to Halton car and small van drivers who live in homes in council tax bands A-F.
Those in council tax bands G-H can apply on the grounds of hardship.
Other exemptions are available for some groups such as disabled motorists and students who meet the course-time criteria.
Project backers have said more than 99% of Halton residents are eligible for the discount scheme set up by Halton Borough Council.
Renewals can be completed at www. merseyflow.co.uk or at the Runcorn walk-in centre on Howard Court in Manor Park, Runcorn.
Anthony Alicastro, Merseyflow managing director, told residents it only takes 10 minutes to renew online.
He said: “We’re making great progress renewing the accounts of eligible residents, but we want to make one last push to ensure everyone who is entitled to the discount renews their account.
“Renewing online at www.merseyflow.co.uk is the quickest and easiest way to renew.
“We know from experience there was a huge rush to register just before and just after the bridge opened last year.
“We started contacting residents in July to urge them to renew. In a relatively short space of time we have renewed 20,000 accounts but there are still plenty of people who need to renew.”
Mike Bennett, Mersey Gateway Crossings Board managing director, said: “We want everyone who is entitled to the discount to benefit from it, that’s why we’re urging eligible residents to renew their plans now and beat the rush.
“The process only takes 10 minutes to do and is very straightforward.”