Even more drivers will receive unlimited travel over the Mersey Gateway Bridge following Council approval of new Road User Charging Scheme Order
Halton Borough Council last night [18th April 2018] approved a new Road User Charging Scheme Order (RUCSO) for the Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) which will see even more people receive unlimited crossings.
The Council made the decision to approve the new RUCSO based on the findings of a public consultation which took place between 8th March and 29th March 2018.
Over six thousand individuals, businesses and public organisations responded to the consultation which asked for views on proposed changes to the existing 2017 RUSCO. The results can be found here.
The new 2018 RUCSO will be effective immediately and will replace the existing 2017 RUCSO.
As a result, the following changes have been made to the tolling scheme:
Halton Local User Support Scheme (introduced which replaces the Halton Local User Discount Scheme Economic Hardship Scheme)
- Those residents living in Council Tax Band G&H properties in apprenticeships1 or in full time education2 who were previously ineligible to apply for the Local User Discount Scheme (LUDS), can now apply under the new Halton Local User Support Scheme.
Halton residents otherwise eligible for the LUDS with disabilities
- Halton residents who have a disability3 but are not eligible for a Blue Badge and whose disability prevents them from driving, will be able to register a vehicle to benefit from unlimited crossings under the LUDS when they are travelling in the vehicle for a £10 annual fee.
Exemptions
- Further vehicles registered by the emergency services when being used for the purpose of delivering these services, whether or not marked and not already covered by exemptions;
- further ambulance vehicles whether carrying patients or not and registered by the ambulance service and;
- vehicles used for the transport of blood, plasma or human organs will be able to be added onto the exemptions register4.
- Agricultural tractors will be able to be added onto the exemptions register for use of the SJB only with exemptions allowed on the Mersey Gateway Bridge in the interim, until the SJB reopens.
Classification of Motor Homes
- Motor Home Vehicles will be designated as Class 2, the same classification as applies to private cars.
The following will remain unchanged:
- The toll charges*
- The Penalty Charge rates**
- The LUDS criteria with respect to properties in Council Tax Bands G&H
We would invite those users who may be affected by the changes to contact Merseyflow on info@merseyflow.co.uk or 01928 878 878 to discuss options available.
No refunds will be given for toll fees incurred prior to the new arrangements becoming effective.
Any user who wishes to get more information about the new Halton Local User Discount Support Scheme must contact hardshipscheme@merseyflow.co.uk.
Notes
1 Under the age of 20 and studying for at least 12 hours per week on a course which lasts for more than three months for any qualification up to A level, ONC or OND standard (correspondence courses, evening classes or courses taken in connection with a person’s job, such as on day release, are not included).
2 Enrolled for the purpose of attending a university or college course which lasts for at least one academic year, normally requires attendance of at least 24 weeks a year and involves on average at least 21 hours of study, tuition or work experience per week during term time.
3 Halton resident and in receipt of one of the following: the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance; Attendance Allowance; Enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Allowance; and/or the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.
4 All vehicles eligible to be added onto the exemptions register must still register their vehicles for a £5 fee.
*Toll charges can be found in full at www.merseyflow.co.uk.
**Penalty Charge – £40 plus toll charge; £20 plus toll charge if paid withing 14 days; £60 plus toll charge if paid within 42 days. If unpaid beyond 42 days after issue the penalty will be registered as a civil debt. More information can be found at www.merseyflow.co.uk/faqs/penalties.
