NO tolls, no bridge.
That's the stark reality Halton Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, stressed, as he launched a 14-week public consultation on the new Mersey Gateway.
He said: "Without tolls, there is not going to be a bridge.
"The Government doesn't build free-to-use bridges."
Both bridges will have to be tolled, he explained, to ensure 80 per cent of the 90,000 vehicles crossing every day, transfer to the Mersey Gateway.
"We're not giving up on a free scheme on the Silver Jubilee Bridge for locals, or at least a hefty discount," said Cllr McDermott.
"How much of a discount depends on the franchisee."
The exact toll has not yet been set but will be similar to the Mersey Tunnel fees.
Toll booths will be located on land at St Michael's golf course, creating jobs for 40 toll operators.
The contaminated golf course, in Ditton Road, Widnes, is currently closed for remedial work.
Chief executive, David Parr, said: "The council is in the process of working with DEFRA to resolve the remedial issues of St Michael's golf course. That work is taking place in phases.
"We are taking some of the land for tolling booths but there will be an 18-hole golf course, slightly shorter than before."
Toll booths might not be needed if electronic tolling is available when construction starts in 2011.
Related stories
See a virtual reality video tour of the bridge
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article