http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/proposed-scheme-halton-residents-claim-13042336A proposed scheme enabling Halton residents to claim back the cost of tolls through using taxis to cross the Mersey Gateway Bridge has been shelved.
Halton Borough Council chief executive David Parr said that at the request of council leader, Cllr Rob Polhill, a consultation on a ‘taxi scheme’ had been launched.
Earlier this year, the council announced it was seeking to develop and fund a scheme where Runcorn and Widnes residents using taxis to cross both the Mersey Gateway and refurbished Silver Jubilee Bridges could reclaim the toll cost from their journeys over the crossings.
The Mersey Gateway bridge under construction over the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canel.
But Mr Parr has confirmed the proposed scheme has not developed as it was ‘too complicated to progress’ for legal and financial reasons, as well as the ‘high risk’ of fraud.
He said: “The council will keep taxi travel under review and may consider a scheme in the future.
“Consequentially taxis are treated like any other business vehicle when on business and will be required to pay a toll.
“This will be passed on the fare payer.
“If the driver is eligible and registered with the Local User Discount Scheme (LUDS) – any private use by the taxi will be undertaken under the LUDS scheme and not require a toll to be paid.”
A standard toll rate for each journey made by a car, small van, or a people carrier with up to eight seats across either crossing will be £2, if no discount is applied.
The LUDS for eligible Halton residents will allow unlimited free travel for both bridges in return for an annual £10 administration fee.
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