Toll operator Merseyflow says more than 95% of drivers using the bridge have registered their vehicles or paid for their crossing on the £600m bridge by the payment deadline. Tony McDonough reports
More than 2m journeys have been made by vehicles across the new £600m Mersey Gateway Bridge – with an average of 72,000 vehicles using it every weekday.
The toll bridge opened to traffic just after midnight on Saturday, October 14 and toll operator Merseyflow has also said more than 95% of drivers using the bridge have registered their vehicles or paid for their crossing by the payment deadline.
The neighbouring Jubilee Bridge across the river will be closed for an upgrade for about a year and will also be tolled when it reopens.
David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council and the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said the figures were “over and above what we expected”.
Anthony Alicastro, who chief executive of emovis operations (Mersey), which runs the merseyflow operation, said: “The best piece of advice we can give to anyone who uses the bridge regularly is to register with merseyflow for discounts as this means you get cheaper journeys and don’t have to pay each time.”
Drivers can register online at www.merseyflow.co.uk, by phone on 01928 878 878, or at the walk-in centre in Runcorn.
He added: “For anyone that does receive a penalty notice our advice is to deal with it as quickly as possible as you get a 50% discount – reducing the charge to £20 plus the original toll fee – if you pay within 14 days.
“The PCN also contains details of how you can challenge the payment if you feel it has been sent in error.”