DRIVERS are being urged to make sure they use the official merseyflow website and call centre to register for toll discounts on the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges.

The warning comes as the merseyflow team is cracking down on a fake website and phone number that has been set up online.

The team has reported the bogus site and number to the police, who have urged everyone to be vigilant of scammers.

Anthony Alicastro, chief executive of merseyflow, said: "We know that there are some criminals trying to set up fake numbers and websites to con people. 

“We are watching them and have already informed the police and will take whatever action we can to shut them down.

“It is really important to say that the only place you can register online is at merseyflow.co.uk and the only number to call to register is 01928 878878.

"We would hate anyone to fall victim to these criminals."

He added that these kinds of attempted criminal scams are commonplace on tolling schemes around the world.

More than 17,000 vehicles have been registered with merseyflow so far and the team is recommending people to register for discounts on tolls as early as possible ahead of the expected last minute rush as the new bridge opens this autumn.

Anyone who thinks they may have been caught out by this scam or have any concerns about other fraudulent activity should contact police on 0300 123 2040.

To register for toll discounts visit merseyflow.co.uk, call into the walk-in centre at 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, or contact 01928 878878.

The Runcorn walk-in centre and call centre are open from 8am to 8pm on week days and 9am to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

A temporary registration service at Halton Direct Link on Brook Street in Widnes is open until the end of August, from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

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

Anyone who is eligible for the Halton residents’ discount scheme must register and pay an £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.

It will still be possible to cross the bridges without registering but drivers 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 can 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 admin fee.

Once registered they will receive a merseyflow sticker to place in your registered vehicle’s windscreen.

This sticker means your 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.

Merseyflow has produced a range of leaflets to help explain the registration process to people who live in Halton, as well as to residents living outside of the area.

The new bridge is expected to open this autumn. When it opens the Silver Jubilee bridge will be closed to road traffic for up to 12 months while it is refurbished.

During this time the Silver Jubilee will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.