The merseyflow Walk-in Centre will be reopening to customers from 9am on Monday 12 April, in line with the easing of UK Government restrictions for non-essential retail.
Merseyflow anticipates that customers are likely to experience longer waiting times than usual when visiting the Walk-in Centre due to a high demand, with Halton residents renewing their Local User Discount Scheme plans.
Visiting customers should also be aware that they may have to queue outside at busy periods due to reduced building capacity.
To avoid the queues, merseyflow is encouraging customers to use its website www.merseyflow.co.uk for registering or renewing plans, or to call its contact centre on 01928 878 878.
Eligible Halton residents will need an approved plan to benefit from discounted journeys when crossing the Mersey Gateway Bridge and newly reopened Silver Jubilee Bridge.
The re-opening will see a number of changes to the Walk-in Centre’s operations:
- the centre is asking customers to pay using credit or debit card wherever possible to help limit the amount of contact between its staff and customers
- strict social distancing requirements will see a limited capacity placed on the Walk-in Centre, with a limit of three customers allowed inside the building at any one time.
- anyone planning on visiting the Walk-in Centre must follow 2m social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering (unless exempt), and use the installed hand sanitiser stations when appropriate.
Those Halton residents who do feel they need to attend the Walk-in Centre in person to renew their annual plan are being asked to make sure they bring the correct documentation – their driving licence, a current council tax bill and their V5C form – with them to avoid delays and unnecessary journeys.
Neil Conway, chief executive of merseyflow, said: “The safety of our staff and the public has remained our top priority and the vast majority of our customers make payments and update their accounts online, which is easy and convenient for them and safe for everyone. However, we appreciate that the Walk-in Centre is popular with people who are unable to access digital technology and are pleased to be able to re-open this facility for those who need it.
“We are expecting a high demand for this service and have made adjustments to ensure that our staff and customers are as safe as possible. This includes asking people to pay by credit or debit card, making plans for queueing outside and following the Government’s guidance on face masks and social distancing. We will continue to follow any new guidance as and when this changes, adjusting our approach as the UK moves forward with its roadmap out of lockdown and we will encourage our customers to do the same.”
Customers paying for crossings can do so at www.merseyflow.co.uk, or download the Quick Pay App. Halton residents, or Blue Badge holders whose discount plans have expired, are being encouraged to beat the queues and renew online at merseyflow’s website or call its contact centre on 01928 878 878.
The Walk-in Centre will be open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. For the most up to date information please check merseyflow’s social media channels.