THE green light on the second Mersey crossing could be given early in the New Year, it was revealed this week.

On a flying visit to Halton, Transport Minister Tony McNulty, said: "We're looking forward to making an announcement in the New Year.

"The new crossing may well be part of an integrated transport system. I would like to congratulate Halton for all the work they have put in."

Mr McNulty opened a conference for Britain's transport chiefs to share Halton's innovation, having been awarded Beacon status for its bus initiatives.

"If you hear something today that would help your area, nick it!" he urged delegates.

He praised Halton for improving buses for the jobless, disabled and students and making public transport safer to use.

"Public transport can liberate a community," he said. "Thirty per cent of people who live in Halton don't have a car, 50 per cent in some wards.

"Halton has made a real difference in the ability of local people to more easily access a wider range of everyday facilities."

A detailed bid for the new bridge will be sent to the Government in November.

Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "Support is growing by the week and regular correspondence is carrying on between the private sector and government agencies."

Tolling, he warned, is looming.

"We still cling to the ambition of a free to user bridge," he said. "But it is ever more apparent that some form of tolling will be necessary.

"The question will be how much will it cost an individual motorist and there is no easy and quick answer."

Discounts for residents, season tickets for regular users and the length of the payback period will have to be considered.

The tunnel tolls, he suggested, would possibly set the initial fee.