Last week it was confirmed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne that the new Mersey Gateway Bridge will now be free to use for all residents of Halton.

Inhabitants of Halton will now  be able to continue using the Silver Jubilee Bridge for free as well as the Mersey Gateway Bridge that is set to open in Autumn of 2017.

This announcement comes following a rethinking of the original discount scheme, which meant Halton residents could make only 300 free trips over the bridges per year. The revised discount means that users will now be able to save a further £300.

As well as saving money for locals, the Mersey Gateway Bridge is expected to generate 4,500 jobs, as well as dramatically improving journey times and reliability in the area.

The Department for Transport will be working closely with Halton Borough Council that the system is not left open to potential abuse and will also be contributing  £250 million towards the £486 million scheme which involves the construction of a new 1km long cable-stayed bridge across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes in the borough of Halton.

Osborne said:

“A key part of our long term economic plan is reversing the decades of underinvestment in this country’s infrastructure; but to do so in a way that is fair to taxpayers, consumers and local residents.

“We will be making the Mersey Gateway Bridge free to use for the residents of Halton. The Mersey Gateway Bridge and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge should be first and foremost for local people, which is why Halton residents will not be charged for using either.“

Source: Bdaily