£470m to cross the Mersey6 October 2011
The Government is ploughing money into a new toll bridge over the Mersey, instead of reducing traffic and pollution.
The Government has announced that it will contribute up to £470m towards a six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey in Cheshire. This represents £86m up front, and up to £14.55m a year for 26 years after the bridge opens.
The money would be better spent boosting cycling and making public transport more affordable and convenient.
Helen Rimmer, North West campaigner, Friends of the Earth
The existing bridge was designed to carry 9,000 cars a day when it opened in 1961. Now 90,000 a day use it.
- Traffic has increased by over 60% since 1980.
- Congestion costs the UK £19bn a year.
- Public transport costs are rising.
- Every day there are 10m empty seats in cars on our roads.
Car journeys need to fall sharply to meet the UK's 2020 emissions target and avoid serious environmental damage.
Friends of the Earth is calling for:
- Policies for low-carbon alternatives to the car
To make walking, cycling and public transport cheaper and more convenient. - Fuel efficiency
Tough standards for new cars. - High-quality mass transport schemes
Such as trams in all major UK towns and cities.
What you can do
© Halton Borough Council
