The Mersey Gateway Bridge Crossings Road User Charging Scheme (operating under the brand name ‘Merseyflow’) is a Road User Charging Scheme in place for vehicles travelling across both the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridges, which cross the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes, Cheshire. The Charging Authority for the scheme is Halton Borough Council.

Vehicles crossing the bridges must pay the road user charge in place every time they cross (in both directions, either in advance or by 11.59pm the day after the crossing is made. Video cameras record all crossings made.

The necessity to pay the crossing charge and the time allotted is shown on signs on roads around the scheme. Payment of the road user charge can be made online at the Merseyflow website, via a mobile application, by phone or in person at a walk-in centre or Payzone outlet.

Accounts can be set-up for automatic payment of the charge and discounts apply to certain user types, including local residents and Blue Badge holders.

If payment of the road user charge for each crossing is not made on time, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be sent to the Registered Keeper of the vehicle that made the crossing/s. The Registered Keeper may not necessarily have been the driver at the time of the alleged contravention, but they are legally liable for the penalty charge.

A Merseyflow PCN document will include details of:

• the date and time of the crossing that was not paid for, as well as the location and a photograph of the vehicle.
• the Vehicle Registration Mark and other details of the vehicle that made the crossing
• the amount (in £) of the penalty charge that needs to be paid.
  • this will include a reduced / discounted rate (50% of the penalty charge amount) that applies if the PCN is paid within 14 days.

The document will also include instructions on how to pay the penalty charge or make representations against it.

The Road User Charging Scheme in place, including how PCNs can be enforced by Halton Borough Council, is provided for and regulated by various pieces of legislation.