Media release
5th August 2017

Public warned only to use official www.merseyflow.co.uk website to register for toll/charge discounts

People across the north west are being warned to make sure they use the official merseyflow website and call centre to register for discounts on tolls/charges.

The official website address is www.merseyflow.co.uk and the official call centre number is 01928 878 878.

The warning comes as the merseyflow team is cracking down on a fake website and phone number that has been set up online.

The team has now reported the fake site and number to the police, who have urged everyone to be vigilant of scammers.

If you think you have been caught out by this scam, or have any concerns about other fraudulent activity, please contact the police on 0300 123 2040 to report the crime.

These kinds of attempted criminal scams are commonplace on tolling schemes around the world.

Anthony Alicastro, Chief Executive of merseyflow, said: "We know that there are some criminals trying to set up fake numbers and websites to con people.

"We're watching them and have already informed the police and will take whatever action we can to shut them down."

"It is really important to say that the only place you can register online is at www.merseyflow.co.uk and the only number to call to register is 01928 878 878. We'd hate anyone to fall victim to these criminals."

Over 17,000 vehicles have been registered with merseyflow so far and the team is recommending people register for discounts on tolls/charges as early as possible ahead of the expected last minute rush as the new bridge opening this autumn.

How to register

If you would like to register there are a number of ways to do it.

The website – www.merseyflow.co.uk – is the quickest option, but you can also contact the call centre on: 01928 878 878, or visit the walk-in centre at 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SJ.

The opening hours for the Runcorn walk-in centre and call centre are 8am - 8pm weekdays, and 9am - 6pm weekends and bank holidays.

Merseyflow is also running a temporary registration service at the Halton Direct Link on Brook Street in Widnes which will run until the end of August.

The opening hours of this registration point are 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 1pm Saturday.

Registering is the only way to get discounts on journeys across the Mersey, or if you qualify, free travel across the bridges.

Anyone who is eligible for the Halton residents' discount scheme must register and pay their £10 annual fee in order to claim their free trips.

Anyone, wherever they live, can also register for a pre-pay account, or monthly pass which both give discounts on the full unregistered toll/charge fee.

It will still be possible to cross the bridges without registering but, if you do, you will have to pay the full unregistered toll/charge fee which is £2 per car per crossing, with additional charges for larger vehicles.

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.

This 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 as you have funds in your account.

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

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.

The new bridge is expected to open this autumn. When it opens the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be closed to road traffic for up to 12 months while it is refurbished.

During this time the Silver Jubilee Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Editors Notes:

More information about tolling is available at www.merseyflow.co.uk. Both the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will be tolled/charged.

You can find out more about the construction and history of the Mersey Gateway Project at www.merseygateway.co.uk.