TRANSPORT firms fear tolls for coaches on the Mersey Gateway could drive business out of Halton.

The proposed toll each way across the new bridge for a coach is £8, making it one of the most expensive charges for commercial vehicles in Britain.

Heavy goods vehicles and minibuses are set to pay £6.

Residents who live in Halton will be offered a scheme to register for free tolls. The proposed toll for cars is £2.

Richard Bamber, partner of Anthony’s Travel in Runcorn and vice chairman of The Confederation of Passenger Transport in the north west is very concerned.

“Coaches are more environmentally friendly than wagons. They cause less damage, have less weight and every coach takes 14 cars off the road.

“We had been expecting parity of charges with the Mersey Tunnels.

“All we want is a fair deal.”

The tunnels currently charge £3.40 for coaches with up to 49 seats.

Richard has arranged a meeting between coach operators, MPs, transport bosses and Halton Council chiefs on Friday to discuss the issue.

“We cross the bridge regularly taking schoolchildren from both sides to The Brindley, the Select Security Stadium and swimming.

“We also have contracts with colleges and community groups.

“They all have budgets and are likely to look at the cheapest option. This could stop them crossing the bridge.”

Many coach firms, he said, use the bridge to serve Halton schools and organisations while tour companies pick up passengers for holidays, cruises and outings.

In a letter, Halton Council chief executive David Parr stated: “At the public inquiry the toll level for Mersey Tunnels was used as an indication. It has never been the case that there was to be integration of the two toll regimes as they are subject to different legislation and are operated by separate organisations.

“It is reasonable to charge a higher rate for vehicles that impose higher loads and consequent wear and tear on the highway infrastructure.”

Other toll bridges of similar size to Mersey Gateway charge coaches as follows Humber £4, Tyne £3.20, Tamar £3.70 and Dartford £3.