Introducing the easy, quick, cheaper way to travel through the Mersey Tunnels

Introducing the easy, quick, cheaper way to travel through the Mersey Tunnels

Using Fast Tag is the easy, quick and cheapest way to travel through the Mersey Tunnels. Fast Tag journeys cost less than paying cash. You can find details of the Fast Tag rates in the enclosed form. It makes sense to use Fast Tag, save money and make full use of the other benefits that the Fast Tag scheme provides. The Fast Tag sits in a holder attached to the windscreen of your vehicle, behind the rear view mirror. As you approach the toll barrier an antenna which is situated above the toll - lane sends a signal to your Fast Tag and providing your account is in credit, will automatically raise the barrier so you can pass through almost without stopping. Think of the convenience, no more queuing for change, no more fumbling for cash and it s cheaper! 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 track of the journeys you have made. You can pay by monthly Direct Debit and spread the cost evenly throughout the year. You only pay for the journeys that you make. If you do not use all of your credit it will be carried forward to the next month. You can ask for a refund from your account at any time. You can cancel the Fast Tag at any time if it is lost or stolen. A simple telephone call to our office on 0151 330 1702, followed by a letter or email to: tag@merseytravel.gov.uk will stop any unauthorised usage, charges may be incurred.

It s easy safe and convenient so why don t you complete the application form and Direct Debit instruction enclosed and send them, together with your cheque for your first month s usage to: Merseytravel PO BOX 1976 L69 3HN or alternatively visit our website at where you can apply online or submit your completed application via your nearest Merseytravel Centre. Addresses are on the back page, details of opening hours can be found at www.merseytravel.gov.uk Take advantage of the faster, cheaper method of paying your tolls

Here are some frequently asked questions: 1. How much do Fast Tags cost and how long will they last? The Fast Tags are issued free of charge and will last for as long as your account stays in credit. You must make sure that your account has enough credit to cover the maximum number of journeys that you make in any one month. 2. Can I use my Fast Tag in another vehicle? Yes, you can take your Fast Tag out of one vehicle and use it in another but only if the vehicle is in the same toll class. You may also have more than one Fast Tag for your account but it is important that you keep a note of the serial number of each tag so that it can be cancelled if it is lost or stolen. 3. In which lane can I use the Fast Tag? The Fast Tag equipment is installed on every toll lane, both staffed and automatic. Vehicles in class 1 may use any lane, vehicles in class 2, 3, 4 and 8 must use attended lanes only. 4. What if I do not wish to use my Fast Tag? This could apply to a person issued with a Fast Tag by his employer for business use only, when making private journeys. Simply remove the Fast Tag from its holder and place it out of line of sight of the antennae i.e. in the pocket of the driver s door. Put the appropriate toll in the basket or, if you have no change, use an attended lane. 5. Can I tow a trailer whilst using my Fast Tag? Cars occasionally towing caravans or trailers cannot use the Fast Tag when towing. Drivers should remove the Fast Tag as explained in question 4 above, and pay cash at an attended toll lane. 6. How do I make a Direct Debit payment? Once your initial payment has been received, an account for the Fast Tag is set up. Further payments should then be made by a fixed Direct Debit. Deductions can be made on one of the following 4 dates each month, 3rd, 10th, 17th or 24th.

The amount you pay should be your maximum estimated monthly usage. N.B. You must make sure that your initial payment is enough to cover journeys until your first Direct Debit is received. You can change or suspend your Direct Debit payments in writing by email or online via the Mersey Tunnels website 7. What if I don t use all the credit on my account? We will refund any excess credit built up on the account if you write to us or email us. Payment will be made directly to the bank that the Direct Debits are made from. If there is no Direct Debit on the account payment will be by cheque. 8. How do I calculate my monthly payment? You should estimate the maximum number of journeys you are likely to make per month and multiply it by the toll rate for your vehicle.you should make sure that your account stays in credit. We cannot send reminders that your payment is due. You will however see a low credit amber warning light when you use your Fast Tag if the credit is running low. We cannot accept liability for any loss or delay caused by your account running out of credit. 9. Will I receive statements? You can see a detailed statement on the Mersey Tunnels Website. It gives a 3-month history of journeys made and the account balance, which can be printed or downloaded for your records. You may also request to receive monthly e-statements. A monthly paper summary statement will only be sent to you if you request this by email. 10. What will happen if I make more journeys than planned? Your Fast Tag will only operate whilst your account is in credit. It is very important you do not exceed the total journeys that you used to calculate the monthly payment. If you think this might happen because your circumstances have changed you should top up your monthly payment with an additional cheque payment or by credit/ debit card via our website. If this situation is likely to be permanent you should increase your Direct Debit payment and let us know in writing, or email, alternatively you may increase your Direct Debit online via our website.

11. What do the indicator lights at the toll lanes mean? The traffic indicator lights mounted on the right hand side of each toll lane will tell you the status of your Fast Tag account as follows: Green: Your account is normal and in credit. The toll will be charged when you leave the toll lane. Amber: You will see this light when your account credit reduces to 10 or another amount agreed when your account is set up. Amber will show each time you use the system with low credit. The toll will still be charged when you leave the lane. If you see an amber light on a regular basis you should consider increasing your monthly Direct Debit payment. Red: Your account is no longer in credit. If this happens you will have to pay your toll by cash before you can continue through the barrier. A red light will also be shown if a Fast Tag has been cancelled, for example if has been reported lost or stolen. If there is another vehicle immediately in front of you do not attempt to follow on the green or amber relating to that vehicle s transaction. 12. Can I reduce my payments if I use the tunnel less frequently? Yes, let us know in writing. You must make sure that your account remains in credit (see question 6). Alternatively, you may change any details, including your Direct Debit amounts, via our website. 13. Can I pay by weekly Direct Debit? No. Unfortunately you may only pay monthly. 14. What if I lose my Fast Tag or it is damaged or stolen? If you lose your Fast Tag or if it is damaged or stolen you must ring immediately and then send us written or email confirmation. A charge will be made for each Fast Tag that is blocked 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. 15. How do I leave the scheme? If you decide that you no longer need your Fast Tag you must return it to this office. If there is any credit remaining in your account this will be refunded to you,

once we receive the Fast Tag. Your Direct Debit instruction will be cancelled. Refunds will only be made to the original account holder of the Fast Tag. Terms & Conditions 1. These Terms and Conditions should be read in conjunction with the covering letter contained in the application pack. 2. All together they form a binding agreement for the issue and use of a Fast Tag, which supersedes any previous terms and conditions in place. 3. Merseytravel reserves the right to refuse an incomplete application or an application if a Fast Tag is unavailable for dispatch in accordance with clause 4 below. 4. Merseytravel will use best endeavours to dispatch a Fast Tag within 30 days of receipt of application. 5. Merseytravel accepts no responsibility for incorrectly fitted Fast Tags. 6. It is the Fast Tag user s responsibility to ensure that they do not proceed through the toll barriers on the previous vehicle s toll payment. 7. It is the Fast Tag user s duty to ensure that their Tag is not used fraudulently or illegally. Fast Tags must not be sold, tampered with or wilfully damaged. 8. Fast Tags remain the property of Merseytravel and must be returned on request. 9. If a request is made by Merseytravel to return the Fast Tag or you wish to leave the scheme and the Fast Tag is not returned within 28 days, Merseytravel reserves the right to levy a reasonable charge. 10. Merseytravel accepts no liability for loss or damage howsoever arising from the use of the Fast Tag unless it is due to negligence on the part of Merseytravel. 11. This agreement shall be governed by English law and the English Courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction. 12. Merseytravel is the operating name of the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority. 13. Contact Details: Merseytravel PO BOX 1976 L69 3HN Tel: 0151 330 1702 tag@merseytravel.gov.uk

One Bus Station 1 Canning Place L1 8LB Birkenhead Travel Centre Birkenhead Bus Station Claughton Road Birkenhead CH41 6RT Southport Tourist Information Centre 112 Lord Street Southport PR8 1NY Bootle Bus Station Washington Parade Bootle L20 4RE St Helens Travel Centre St Helens Bus Station Bickerstaffe Street St Helens WA10 1DH Huyton Travel Centre Huyton Bus Station Huyton Hey Road Huyton L36 5SB Queen Square Travel Centre Queen Square L1 1RG Details of opening hours can be found at www.merseytravel.gov.uk Merseytravel PO BOX 1976 L69 3HN Tel: 0151 330 1702 tag@merseytravel.gov.uk