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.
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.
How much is the Mersey Gateway Bridge?
Following the first increase since 2017, tolls for the bridge rose by 20% on 1 April 2025. 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/buses (Class 4)
| £9.60
|
| Motorcycles and local buses
| Free
|
How do I pay the toll for the Mersey Gateway Bridge?
You can pay your toll in various ways:
- Quick Pay or Mobile App by 11:59 pm the day after you use the bridge
- Pre-pay or register for an account with Merseyflow
- Local User Discount Scheme (LUDS) — Halton residents pay £12 annually (£10 with auto-renewal) for unlimited personal crossings
What if I forgot to pay the toll?
Failure to pay on time triggers a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN):
- PCN increases from £40 to £50
- Pay within 14 days for a reduced rate of £25
- First-time unregistered users may apply the £25 towards registering with Merseyflow, cancelling the PCN entirely
Mersey Gateway Facts
Registered users - either pre-pay or through LUDS - benefit from discounted toll rates compared to unregistered Quick Pay options.
In June 2025, official figures showed 6.88 million crossings in the previous quarter, the highest number recorded since the bridge opened.
TLDR: Mersey Bridge Toll Summary
- No toll booths — cashless via number plate recognition
- Pay by midnight after crossing
- Heavy charges plus escalating penalties for non-payment
- Registration offers convenience and savings
Mersey Gateway Toll FAQs
What is the toll for a standard car?
£2.40 one-way for unregistered users, from 1 April 2025.
Do motorcycles have to pay?
No. Motorcycles (and local buses) cross free of charge.
How do I avoid paying full toll rates?
Register with Merseyflow for pre-pay discounts or join the LUDS if you're a Halton resident.
What happens if I don’t pay on time?
You’ll receive a PCN: £50 standard, or £25 if paid within 14 days. First-time unregistered users can apply the £25 to register instead.
How often do toll rates change?
Toll adjustments are planned every three years unless otherwise needed.
