Mersey Tunnel tolls could be frozen

MERSEY Tunnel tolls could be frozen for 2017 to 2018, with Merseytravel Committee Members asked to recommend to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, that there be no change to charges when they meet, on Thursday, 2 February 2017.  The recommendations of the Merseytravel Committee will help inform the Combined Authority's decision on the toll levels at their meeting next Friday, 3 February 2017.  Should the recommendations be implemented, the Fast Tag toll would stay at £1.20 for car users and the cash toll, at £1.70. Therefore, regular tunnel users who pay using the Fast Tag can, once again, save £5 a week compared to paying the cash toll. 2015 to 2016 saw 51% of journeys through the Tunnels, by Fast Tag; the 1st year that the majority of travellers have taken advantage of the discount the tag brings.  Other recommendations made in the tunnel tolls report to be considered at the meeting include continuing other initiatives introduced in 2016; emergency services liveried vehicles receiving free travel through the Mersey Tunnels, as well as free travel for all users between 10pm on 24 December and 6am on 26 December in recognition that public transport services are not available during these times. Frank Rogers, Interim Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said:- "As always, it is for political members to take a decision on the tunnel toll levels. However, reflecting on the past year, it is encouraging to see people taking advantage of the benefits that a Fast Tag can bring. For the 1st time Fast Tag customers now represent the majority of tunnel usage, but there are still many more people who can benefit from these savings." Fast Tags are available to everyone, not just regular travellers, and are issued free of charge and tunnel users are encouraged to order 1. As well as the savings drivers can make, there are also dedicated Fast Tag lanes, at each Tunnel Plaza. Fast Tag offers 'stored value' meaning that customers' money stays in their Fast Tag account until it is used, no matter how long that is.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company backs an ambitious charity challenge

THE Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has given its backing to an ambitious charity challenge which will see a group of cyclists attempt to ride more than 450 miles to raise funds for Dementia charities. The journey, called:- 'stRIDE17,' will see 12 women cycling through England, the Isle of Man and Wales, for 8 days, as well as taking on 2 hikes. The Steam Packet Company is assisting with the costs of travelling to and from the Island during the event in August 2017.  The riders hope to increase awareness of Dementia as well as raising funds for charities Dementia UK and the Alzheimer's Society.  'stRIDE17' is being organised by Virginia Bailey, whose father has Vascular Dementia.  Virginia explained:- "For someone with Dementia, memories from the past often come to the forefront of their minds. So my sister and I wanted to combine the message of leading an active, healthy lifestyle, which can contribute to preventing the onset of Dementia, with memories from our Dad's life by visiting places which are special to him and our family. Over 8 days in August, a team of brilliantly inspirational women will embark on a 450 mile cycle visiting places that are significant to both our Dad's and our family's lives, from our departure in Liverpool, where my Dad grew up and met our wonderful Mum, to finishing in Shrewsbury, where my sister and I enjoyed an amazing childhood full of love and happy memories. In between we will visit places that ooze nostalgia for our family, including the Isle of Man. The Steam Packet Company has been extremely generous in supporting our efforts by assisting with the cost of travel to and from the Isle of Man, so on behalf of all involved in stRIDE17 I'd like to thank the company for its help." The challenge starts in Liverpool and heads North to the Lake District before turning back to Heysham to catch the Ferry to Douglas on 8 August. The team will ride a route around the east and South of the Island before sailing to Liverpool the following day to continue the journey through North Wales and on to Shrewsbury.  Virginia added:- "We have 2 clear and simple aims; to raise money to support specialist Dementia care workers and research into the disease and to help families and carers by raising awareness of Dementia through sharing stories and opportunities for support. To help improve awareness we're inviting people to join stRIDE17, whether it is meeting up with the team members to discuss Dementia, making a donation or joining the journey, for just an hour or as many days as you'd like. If anyone in the Isle of Man would like to get involved they can contact me on:- stride17info@gmail.com." Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said:- "Dementia is a disease which affects hundreds of thousands of people across the British Isles including here in the Isle of Man. Virginia and the stRIDE17 have set themselves quite a challenge as they try to raise money for 2 leading Dementia charities and, importantly, greater awareness of the disease and we're pleased to be able to do our bit to support them. I hope people in the Isle of Man will lend their support, perhaps jumping on their bikes to ride alongside the 'stRIDE17' team."