Dear Sir or Madam,

Could you please let me know why you are proposing to charge local
residents for the use of the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge ?

Could let me know

a) The level of any proposed charges ?

b) Whether there will be any reduction to the charge for the long
suffering poll tax payers of the borough. (maybe a pass could be
issued on payment of the aforementioned levy)

I would like to draw to your attention the fact that an awful lot
of familes are now split between the two towns and it appears
blatantly unfair to impose additional charges on these constituents
at a time of increased financial instability.

Yours faithfully,

Mr McParland

Mr McParland

I have forwarded your request (below) to the appropriate department within
Halton Borough Council for a reply.

Halton Direct Link

Dear Sir or Madam,

Could you please let me know why you are proposing to charge local
residents for the use of the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge ?

Could let me know

a) The level of any proposed charges ?

b) Whether there will be any reduction to the charge for the long
suffering poll tax payers of the borough. (maybe a pass could be
issued on payment of the aforementioned levy)

I would like to draw to your attention the fact that an awful lot
of familes are now split between the two towns and it appears
blatantly unfair to impose additional charges on these constituents
at a time of increased financial instability.

Yours faithfully,

Mr McParland

show quoted sections

Dear Mr McParland

Thank you for your query. 

It is not financially feasible to develop the project without the tolling
element. In October 2008 the new government transport minister, Paul Clark
MP, stated that "given the cost of the Mersey Gateway Bridge in relation
to the North West's regional funding allocation, it is not realistic to
expect that it could be funded without income from tolls".

A new crossing is vital for the long-term economic prosperity of Halton, the wider city region and the North West. Keeping the Silver Jubilee Bridge toll free would result in severe road congestion caused by drivers avoiding the tolls on the new bridge.  The proposal to toll both bridges would mean that around 80% of traffic will use the new bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge can be redeveloped to deal with local traffic, cyclists, walkers and for those using public transport.

The Road User Charging Order which was submitted to the Council in
December 2008 gives details of the minimum and maximum charge levels, as
well as vehicles exempt from charges, which would be applied to the Silver
Jubilee Bridge.  You can view the order online at the following location:

[1]http://www2.halton.gov.uk/merseygateway/...

It is too soon to give an exact figure because the Council wants to
preserve flexibility in the amount of tolls in order that it can negotiate
with prospective concessionaires to achieve the best possible deal for
Halton.  We envisage that the cost of crossing the new bridge and the
Silver Jubilee Bridge will be about the same as it costs to go through the
Mersey Tunnels.  As of December 08, this was £1.40 for a single car
journey.

The details of any discounts are not yet finalised, but the Council has
resolved that the Road User Charging Scheme must make provision for Public
Transport to be toll free.  Discounts for local people are to be given
priority where possible in establishing the final tolling arrangement.
 This does not mean that other discounts options such as discounts for
regular users have been ruled out.

If you have any further comments or queries, please do not hesitate to
contact the team.

Regards

Mersey Gateway team

www.merseygateway.co.uk

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References

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1. http://www2.halton.gov.uk/merseygateway/...