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Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How do I book a Tunnel Tour?
  2. What are your opening hours to members of the public?
  3. I am considering applying for a Fast Tag, what benefits are there for me?
  4. How much is a Fast Tag?
  5. Why won't my Fast Tag work?
  6. How do I amend my Direct Debit?
  7. How do I manage my Fast Tag account online?
  8. Can I have a refund from my Fast Tag account?
  9. Why hasn't my Direct Debit gone out of my bank?
  10. I am hoping to travel through the Tunnel shortly, how should I plan my journey?
  11. Are the byelaws endorseable?
  12. What is the maximum fine?
  13. Can I ride my bicycle through the Tunnel?
  14. I have a summons, do I need to attend court?
  15. Are Tolls VATable?
  16. What do I need to qualify for concessionary travel?
  17. I am a concession holder, do I have to be in the vehicle to use the Tag?
  18. I am a concession holder, do I throw this Tag away at the end of the year and you send me a new one?
  19. I am a concession holder and have changed my vehicle. What documents do I need to provide?

  1. How do I book a Tunnel Tour?

    Tours take place on a weekday evening and a Saturday morning. Alternatively, we can accommodate group bookings of fifteen or more people at a time to suit that group. The tour will take approximately three hours. Unfortunately, only children over 10 years of age are allowed on the tour with a maximum of two children per adult. Tours cost £3 per person.

    You must book your tour in advance by:
        (a) Telephone: 0151 236 8602 Ext. 206 or Ext. 214.
        (b) FAX: 0151 255 0610
        (c) Email: tours@merseytunnels.co.uk

  2. What are your opening hours to members of the public?

    Our Head Office at Georges Dock Building is open to public visitors between 9.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. Monday to Friday.

    Our telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30a.m. to 4.45p.m. for general enquiries.

    Please note that Mersey Tunnel offices are closed on Bank Holidays and the Tuesday after the Bank Holiday in late May and August.

  3. I am considering applying for a Fast Tag, what benefits are there for me?

    As well as being far more convenient and allowing quicker travel through the toll booth, users of Fast Tag receive a discount on toll rates compared to cash payers. The scheme allows you to plan your expenditure and budget for such, no more queuing for change, no more fumbling for cash. This is the smart way to cross the Mersey even if you only make two or three journeys a week. Fast Tag can be used for all classes of vehicle and you can check how much you spend and keep a track of journeys you have made via our website.

  4. How much is a Fast Tag?

    Fast Tags are issued free of charge to account holders subject to a sufficient amount being paid onto the account each month. However, the Tag remains Mersey Tunnels property and must be returned when the account is closed. A charge will be made for each Tag that is blocked, lost or stolen but this will be refunded on recovery of the Fast Tag. If a Fast Tag is damaged and cannot be used there will be a non-refundable charge.

  5. Why won't my Fast Tag work?

    There are a number of reasons why your Fast Tag may not work.
    (a) Have you sufficient money in your Fast Tag account? Remember, this is a pre-payment scheme and if your account is not in credit your travel will be refused.
    (b) How old is your Tag? It may be that your Tag has come to the end of its life and may require changing.
    (c) Have you checked that you have fitted your Tag correctly in accordance with the installation instructions? These instructions must be followed correctly and if the Tag is not fitted correctly it may not operate.

  6. How do I amend my Direct Debit?

    If you wish to amend your Direct Debit you may amend the details on-line if you know your account number and password. Alternatively, please email or FAX Mersey Tunnels detailing your Fast Tag account number and the required changes.

  7. How do I manage my Fast Tag account online?

    When you apply for your Fast Tag on-line you will set up a password as part of the application process. Once your account has been opened we will send you your account details by post. You may then modify your personal details, create or change your Direct Debit or make a top-up payment on-line. You can also access detailed information including your account balance and details of journeys made.

  8. Can I have a refund from my Fast Tag account?

    The simple answer is "Yes", it is your money and you may request a refund at any time. Staff will ask you to remember that you should ensure that sufficient funds are left in your account for future journeys. Requests must be made in writing (for methods please see FAQ number 6). Payment can be made either by cheque or direct credit into your bank if you pay by Direct Debit.

  9. Why hasn't my Direct Debit gone out of my bank?

    You will select one of four possible dates for collection of your Direct Debit and in the majority of circumstances we will collect on that date. There may be one or two occasions where we collect on a slightly later date but this will be kept to an absolute minimum.

  10. I am hoping to travel through the Tunnel shortly, how should I plan my journey?

    On the majority of occasions both of our tunnels are open. On this website we detail any planned closures, a week in advance, in order to assist our customers. We tend to make the majority of our closures during the night when travel volume is at its lowest. We would ask you to remember however that emergencies and accidents do occur, and we reserve the right to close the tunnel at anytime without notice.

  11. Are the byelaws endorseable?

    Not all byelaws are endorsable, only speeding.

  12. What is the maximum fine?

    The maximum fine for breach of a byelaw is £1,000.

  13. Can I ride my bicycle through the tunnel?

    Bicycles are not permitted through the Kingsway Tunnel. Through the Queensway Tunnel, they are not allowed between the hours of 6.00a.m. to 8.00p.m., Monday to Friday, 7.00a.m. to 8.00p.m. on Saturday and 8.00a.m. to 9.00p.m. on Sunday. Please note, the time limits during a Sunday are only operational between 1st April and 30th September inclusive.

  14. I have a summons, do I need to attend court?

    We would recommend that you seek independent legal advice on this issue. Mersey Tunnels are not in a position to advise whether or not you should attend court.

  15. Are Tolls VATable?

    The simple answer is "No", the toll rate is not liable to VAT and therefore receipts are not issued.

  16. What do I need to qualify for concessionary travel?

    In order to qualify for concessionary travel there are some detailed criteria which can be viewed by downloading the concessionary travel application form from this website. See the Concessionary Travel Scheme page for more information.

  17. I am a concession holder, do I have to be in the vehicle to use the Tag?

    Yes, it is a condition of issue that is strictly monitored. If the concession holder is not in the correct vehicle, or not in the vehicle at all, and tries to use the concession, then it may be confiscated. There are detailed conditions of use available by downloading the application form from this website.

  18. I am a concession holder, do I throw this Tag away at the end of the year and you send me a new one?

    No, while concession holders are allocated a certain amount of free journeys per year, the Tag does not have to be renewed. Your journeys will be credited automatically on 1st April each year with the number of free journeys to which you are entitled. You should be aware that any journeys left in your account on 31st March cannot be carried forward and will be cancelled. You should keep your Fast Tag and continue to use it.

  19. I am a concession holder and have changed my vehicle. What documents do I need to provide?

    If you wish to change the nominated vehicle then you should let us know in writing enclosing a copy of the vehicle registration of the nominated vehicle or the Hire Agreement from the Motability Company or the DLA404 document. Alternatively, you may bring your documents in person to our public counter in Georges Dock Building.

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