The Mersey Gateway Bridge is a key crossing over the River Mersey, linking Runcorn and Widnes.
Officially opened in October 2017, this six-lane structure provides a critical alternative to the older Silver Jubilee Bridge. That bridge now requires a Merseyflow pre–pay account to cross — cash and unregistered Quick Pay aren’t accepted there.
Since opening, the crossing has required drivers to pay a toll. This is a fully cashless system using number-plate recognition – there are no toll booths. Overhead ANPR cameras photograph your number plate as you cross. The system then checks it against payments received, and if none is found by the deadline, a PCN is automatically issued to the registered keeper.
How much is the Mersey Gateway Bridge?
Following the first increase since 2017, tolls for the bridge rose by 20% on 1 April 2025. The rise reflects the ongoing cost of funding and maintaining the bridge. It needed £1.86bn to build and is required to pay for itself over its lifetime. Current toll rates are:
| Vehicle Type | Unregistered Toll (One Way) |
|---|---|
| Cars, vans, small trucks (Class 2) | £2.40 |
| Trucks or buses (Class 3) | £7.20 |
| Large trucks, HGVs and buses (Class 4) | £9.60 |
| Motorcycles and local buses | Free |