Companies fear tolls could drive them out of business

Halton Chamber of Commerce has written to George Osborne to highlight their concerns, urging him to find a solution.

The Chancellor has waived the charge for Halton residents but companies say the cost of crossing the bridge could deter people who live elsewhere applying for jobs and force existing employees who live outside the borough to leave.

Paula Cain, chief executive of the chamber, said: “There is grave concern that the tolls will disadvantage firms to the extent that some could be forced to relocate out of the borough.

“This will have a devastating effect on the local economy.

“There is a very real concern from some businesses that they will either lose members of staff or not be able to recruit in the future.

“Given the forthcoming change in the way business rates will be applied, this could potentially create a financial pressure on the council from which it would not easily recover.”

She is also worried about the effect on the community.

Mrs Cain said: “There are organisations such as schools which currently contract with transport firms to conduct visits to business and leisure venues across the borough.

“They will need to factor in additional charges they cannot afford. This is likely to result in them preferring to contract with providers outside Halton.

“The added burden of tolls on businesses who commute several times a day between the two towns will enhance and reinforce the divide that already separates Runcorn and Widnes.

“Trading within the borough will become a thing of the past as businesses explore other more cost-friendly options.”

She fears the tolls could damage the business community for many years.

Mrs Cain, who is compiling case studies of companies affected by the tolls, added: “Our remit is to look after the interests of Halton businesses.

“We need the Government to be aware and understand the impact tolls will have.”

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, said: “The current evidence we have is that businesses and employment levels have increased in Halton over the last couple of years.

“There is no  evidence to suggest that people are disinvesting in Halton and are worried about the Mersey Gateway.

“The evidence we have is quite the contrary.

“We understand that businesses will be nervous about a new tolled bridge but we are confident that the economic regeneration and improved connectivity can only assist and benefit businesses.

“In calculating the impact, businesses should be comparing the current congestion that constrains their business with the freedom of movement they will have which will give their business a real opportunity to thrive.

“The inspector in the public inquiry concluded that the economic benefit of a tolled crossing was greater than the disbenefit of a the tolled crossing.”

Halton Council leader, Cllr Rob Polhill said: “The Mersey Gateway Project will bring many benefits to communities and businesses in Halton.

“Journey time reliability and improved connectivity is of crucial importance to many of these businesses and we are already seeing significant new investment and job creation in Halton.

“It is suggested Halton residents will cross free. This is not actually the case. The reality of the financial arrangements is that no one travels free - all the tolls have to be paid. 

“In the case of the local user discount scheme for Halton residents, the cost of the tolls is being paid for by a combination of Halton Council and central government funding. 

“It is more difficult to introduce a similar scheme for locally based businesses as state aid rules and other specific legislation applies to business users.”

Businesses concerned about the tolls are asked to email info@haltonchamber.co.uk.