Mersey Gateway is a fantastic piece of engineering and will have a positive impact on travel times across the Mersey. But that cannot disguise the fact that a crossing that was free until now will impose tolls on drivers. That will mean serious financial consequences for St Helens drivers who need to make regular crossings, especially those commuting to and from work, local businesses and those with caring responsibilities.
Earlier this year, the Tory Government announced free tolling would be extended beyond Halton residents. But it has reneged on this commitment. My colleague Justin Madders, the MP for Ellesmere Port, raised this directly with Transport Ministers. The Minister tried to claim that it would cost Councils huge amounts per year if there were no tolls. But major road projects should be funded by central government. And it’s worth noting that no other previously free crossings have had charges introduced in the last decade.\n

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