Fewer could use bridges when tolls rise, bosses say

If Halton Borough Council's executive board gives the plans the go-ahead, a consultation on the proposals will start in November

Fewer motorists are expected to use the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges if toll increases are approved, a report has said.

A report from Mersey Gateway Crossings Board (MGCB) said their proposed 20% increase in fees and fines would possibly cause customers to take a different route or mode of transport.

It comes as Halton Borough Council’s ruling executive board earlier backed plans to implement the increase on the bridges which cross the River Mersey.

The proposed increase would take the price of a single crossing from £2 to £2.40 and fines from £40 (£20 if paid within 14 days) to £50.

Fines' revenue

The tolls were expected to rise in line with the retail price index, but Halton council said there had been no reason to raise them until now.

A six-week consultation has begun, with the changes to come into force in April 2025 if they are signed off at a meeting of the full council next February.

Figures released by Merseyflow, which operates the tolling scheme, showed that over 6.74 million journeys were made over both bridges between July and September this year, and around 50,000 fines were issued each month.

The revenue raised from fines was £800,000 per month, amounting to around 20% of the total revenue raised.

No revenue increase

A report to the council’s executive board said the 20% increase in tolls “would not lead to a 20% increase in projected revenues".

"It is expected that a price increase will cause customers to consider if their journey is necessary, or whether taking a different route or mode of transport is to be preferred," the report said.

"As a result, the number of crossings would be expected to fall slightly following the increase in toll charge."

The Mersey Gateway, which was opened in 2017, was expected to run at a financial loss in its early years and relied on a mix of government grants and tolls charges for funding.

A scheme that lets Halton residents make unlimited crossings for £10 a year will not be affected by the changes, the council said.