TOLL signs have now been erected as the finishing touches are being made to the new bridge.

Halton residents eligible for free tolls are being urged to register as the Mersey Gateway is set to open in the next few weeks.

Signs have been placed on bridge approaches in Widnes and Runcorn, and advise motorists they are about to cross a toll bridge.

The cost per trip for different classes of vehicle is displayed.

Eligible Halton residents can avoid these charges entirely by signing up for a merseyflow account.

Once registered, and after paying a £10 annual administration fee, eligible Halton residents will be sent a special sticker to place in their car’s windscreen.

This sticker contains a microchip that is read by the merseyflow toll gantry when vehicles travel beneath it.

It will allow eligible Halton residents to cross the new bridge. free of charge.

If Halton residents don’t register, they will have to pay the full unregistered toll rate of £2 per journey and could face a penalty charge notice of up to £60.

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council and the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: “The council has worked hard to ensure the best possible discounts for Halton residents.

“If you are an eligible Halton resident and are not registered with Merseyflow, you will have to pay each time you cross the new Mersey Gateway bridge – please don’t miss out. Register as soon as possible before the new bridge opens.”

The new bridge is expected to open by mid-October, weather permitting.

As soon as it opens, tolls will be in force.

If tolls are not paid by 11:59pm the day after crossing, a £20 penalty charge notice will be issued which can rise to £60 if not paid on time.

Anthony Alicastro, chief executive officer of Emovis Operations (Mersey) Ltd, said: “While more than 65,000 vehicles have already registered with us, there are thousands more which need to be registered for a merseyflow account.

“The merseyflow registration process is simple, and there are a variety of ways to sign up.”

Drivers can register online at merseyflow.co.uk, call 01928 878 878 or visit the walk-in centre at Manor Park, Runcorn or the temporary walk-in centre at Halton Direct Link, Widnes.