Controversial bridge toll increase delayed

Crossing the Warburton bridge had cost 12p since the 1860s

The introduction of a controversial toll bridge price increase has been delayed.

It will soon cost £1 to cross the Manchester ship canal on the Warburton bridge, which links Trafford in Greater Manchester with Cheshire.

The previous price of 12p was set by an Act of Parliament in 1863, and it was free during the recent engineering works.

The higher fee was due to start on 25 September, but has been put back because local people eligible for concessions had had "limited access" to access the online payment portal, a Manchester Ship Canal Company spokesman said.

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

People living in Risley, Lymm and Partington will receive a 50% discount on the toll, and the Manchester Ship Canal Company said there would be a £2 cap each day.

Payments must be made by midnight the day after the crossing.

Anyone not paying up will receive a £30 fine, to be paid within 14 days, rising to £100 after 28 days.

The increase in the toll charge has been controversial. Councils, MPs and residents all previously raising concerns at a public inquiry in 2022.

When the decision was announced, Warrington Council said it was "dismayed" by change.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company said it needed to increase the toll to pay for modernisation works.

Explaining the delay to the introduction of the toll, a spokesman for the company - which is owned by Peel Ports - said: "The commencement date for toll charging has been postponed.

"We recognise that, due to time constraints and limited access to the online portal, some residents and other individuals eligible for concessions have not yet been able to register and submit the necessary documentation.

"No charges are currently being applied, so you can continue to use the bridge free of charge for now, and we will give notice as to when charges will begin.

"This postponement provides extra time for everyone to register, especially residents, Blue Badge holders, and those eligible for exemptions and applications for Blue Badge holders and residents will be available within the next few weeks, ensuring that everyone entitled to a concession can apply before charges start.

"This short delay means no one will miss out on the concessions they are entitled to."