Granada Mersey Gateway

A debate is due to take place in Parliament over the Mersey Gateway Bridge tolls.

Chris Matheson, the MP for Chester, believes that many local people are wrongfully charged to make the crossing.

A number of business also claim they are being forced to close due to the adverse affects the new toll road is having on their profits.

Just a month after the Mersey Gateway Bridge opened, motorists have received fines totalling more than a million pounds.

Our correspondent Rachel Townsend has this report:

Vehicles have been crossing the new Mersey Gateway in Cheshire for the first time today. The bridge opened at midnight after a fireworks display. But the row over tolls continues with those against the charges saying they'll just go the long way round.

• Watch Tim Scott's report:

The six million pound Mersey Gateway bridge is set to open with fireworks tonight.

But as the first cars and lorries cross it, the controversy continues about new tolled road.

Tim Scott sums up both sides of the story with this report

Protests took place at the Mersey Gateway Bridge this morning.

Those who use the route daily argue they shouldn't pay to drive to work or school.

Tim Scott reports:

Details of how drivers can register to pay to use the new Mersey Gateway have been unveiled.

The bridge is due to open this autumn while the existing crossing is refurbished.

The new system will eventually allow people to cross the river on either bridge without stopping at toll booths.

Tim Scott has the details

Work has started on the £1.75bn Mersey Gateway Project with an official 'ground-breaking' ceremony on the banks of the River Mersey.

In autumn 2017 a new six-lane toll bridge will open over the Mersey between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes - the aim being to relieve the congested and ageing Silver Jubilee Bridge.

There will be a £2 toll for both the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

It's hoped the bridge will create 470 full-time jobs.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “It’s been decades of trying for a new bridge and we’re now making a start. We always knew this day would come and it’s a historic moment for us.”

Plans for the £600m Mersey Gateway have taken a step forward.

The Merseylink Consortium has been announced as the preferred bidder for the construction of the six-lane toll bridge.

It's expected to reduce journey times.

But John McGoldrick, from the National Alliance Against Tolls, is opposed.