Registration opens for Mersey Gateway tolls

Registration has opened for the new toll system that will be in place on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge

The bridge, which will connect Runcorn to Widnes is due to open in the Autumn

Residents who live in Halton will be exempt from charges throughout the year, if they register their vehicle, which is one per person

People will be charged £2 each way if they use their cars to cross either the new bridge of the old Silver Jubilee Bridge - but they can register to get a discount

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.

Once registered, you will receive a merseyflow sticker to place in your registered vehicle’s windscreen.

The sticker means your vehicle will be recognised when you travel across the new bridge, and will ensure you do not receive a penalty charge notice as long s you have funds in your account.

A guide outlining exactly where to place the sticker on your windscreen is also available.

Anthony Alicastro, who is Chief Executive Officer of Emovis Operations (Mersey) Limited., a wholly-owned subsidiary of emovis, which runs the merseyflow operation, said demand to register is expected to be high.

He said: “As we approach the opening of the bridge, we would encourage people to register as soon as they can to avoid delays.

“We’re making sure there are plenty of options available so that everyone who wants to register can do so as easily as possible.

“While registering online will be the quickest option, we have call centre staff ready to answer your phone calls, while the team at our walk-in centre will be able to get you registered in person.

“Registering now will ensure you are ready when the bridge opens this autumn.

David Parr, Chief Executive of Halton Borough Council, said:

“This is an important step in our journey towards the opening of the Mersey Gateway.

“Once registered you will be able to travel across the new bridge as soon as it opens, and the Silver Jubilee Bridge, when work to refurbish it is completed.

“The Mersey Gateway bridge will provide drivers with quicker, easier and more reliable journeys, while the improved road network will mean travel across Halton is easier and less congested.

“To provide everyone with plenty of time to sign up, registration is starting well ahead of the bridge opening.

“There will be an inevitable last-minute rush to sign up, so save yourself delays and register as soon as you can, so you don’t have to worry about doing it later this year.”

Merseyflow has produced a range of leaflets to help explain the registration process to people that live in Halton, as well as to residents living outside of the area