Toll bridge fee suspended ahead of works

Refurbishment works are set to begin in October

The 12p cost of using a toll bridge between Cheshire and Greater Manchester has been suspended ahead of works starting on the bridge.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC) - which is owned by Peel Ports - was given permission to increase the cost of using the Warburton Toll Bridge from 12p to £1, after a public inquiry.

Refurbishment works are set to begin in October, with the toll cost suspended until it is completed.

The upgrade is set to take a year and could require full closure of the bridge at times. The £1 charge will be effective once the bridge reopens.

The 12p cost was set by an Act of Parliament in 1863

A public inquiry was held in 2022, in which councils, MPs and residents raised concerns about increasing the costs of using the bridge.

MSCC said it needed to increase the toll to pay for modernisation works.

Last year, the inquiry's inspector recommended that an order be passed allowing for the toll increase, which was then passed by the transport secretary.

Warrington Borough Council said it was "dismayed" by the decision at the time.

The bridge crosses the Manchester Ship Canal and joins the Trafford and Warrington council areas.