DRIVERS can now register for the tolling system that will operate on the new Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges.

Motorists are urged to register as soon as possible as demand is expected to be high.

A walk-in centre has opened today in Manor Park, Runcorn for anyone who wishing to register in person or by phone.

A registration service will also be available at Halton Direct Link in Widnes from July 24.

Anthony Alicastro, chief executive officer of Emovis Operations (Mersey) Limited, which runs the merseyflow operation, said: “As we approach the opening of the bridge we would encourage people to register as soon as they can to avoid delays.

“We’re making sure there are plenty of options available so that everyone who wants to register can do so as easily as possible.

“While registering online will be the quickest option we have call centre staff ready to answer your phone calls, while the team at our walk-in centre will be able to get you registered in person.

“Registering now will ensure you are ready when the bridge opens this autumn.”

Registering is the only way to get discounts on journeys across the Mersey, or if you qualify, free travel across the bridges.

Anyone who is eligible for the Halton residents’ discount scheme must register and pay their £10 annual fee in order to claim their free trips.

Anyone, wherever they live, can also register for a pre-pay account, or monthly pass which both give discounts on the full unregistered toll fee.

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, said:“This is an important step in our journey towards the opening of the Mersey Gateway.

“Once registered you will be able to travel across the new bridge as soon as it open, and the Silver Jubilee Bridge when work to refurbish it is completed.

“The Mersey Gateway bridge will provide drivers with quicker, easier and more reliable journeys, while the improved road network will mean travel across Halton is easier and less congested.”

There are a number of ways to register, with the website - merseyflow.co.uk - being the quickest option.

If you would prefer to register in person you can visit the merseyflow walk-in centre or call 01928 878878 and register by phone.

The walk-in centre is at 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SJ.

Merseyflow will also be running a registration service at the Halton Direct Link on Brook Street in Widnes which will begin on 24 July and run until the end of August.

It will still be possible to cross the bridge without registering but, if you do, you will have to pay the full unregistered toll fee which is £2 per car per crossing, with additional charges for larger vehicles.

Blue Badge holders will also be able to register for unlimited travel on the bridges after providing copies of the front and back of their Blue Badge and paying a one-off £5 administration fee.

Once registered drivers will receive a merseyflow sticker to place in their registered vehicle’s windscreen.

This sticker means the vehicle will be recognised when you travel across the new bridge and will ensure you do not receive a penalty charge notice as long as you have funds in your account.