Warburton Toll Bridge's 12p charge raised to £1

The bridge is the only route across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60

Plans to increase a toll bridge's charge from 12p to £1 for a single crossing have been given the go-ahead.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC) had asked to increase charges for the Warburton bridge, which links Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Councils, MPs and residents all raised concerns at a public inquiry in 2022.

The inquiry recommended that a Transport and Works Act Order be made allowing for the toll increase, which the transport secretary has now passed.

In a statement detailing the decision, a Department for Transport spokeswoman said the government had "heard a compelling case in favour of the scheme" and agreed that any adverse impact was outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.

Under the order, residents living close to the bridge will be given a discounted rate of 50p and all tolls will be suspended while improvement works take place.

The order also allows MSCC to make new byelaws in relation to the bridge's operation and move its operation into a separate company.

MSCC owner Peel Ports said the approval of its application meant it can start "much-needed improvement works"

Warrington Borough Council and Trafford Council had objected to the increase and some local MPs had attended the inquiry.

Warrington North Labour MP Charlotte Nichols formally objected while Warrington South Conservative MP Andy Carter raised concerns about the increase in the toll and MSCC being allowed to set new byelaws.

Fellow Tory Sir Graham Brady said he supported Mr Carter's case, but said he accepted there may be costs for "long-overdue improvements".

Inspector Mike Robins recommended that the scheme was necessary and reasonable, although he added that there was a "level of concern amongst users" that the making of the order would prevent any further discussions on alternative funding and the future operation of the bridge.

He said many, including some MPs, had the ambition for the bridge to be toll-free and while that was "not within the scope" of the inquiry, it had been "raised" with the secretary of state "to ensure that such routes are not being pursued prior to considering the making of the order".

MSCC owner Peel Ports said the approval of its application meant it can start "much-needed improvement works".

"As previously signalled, the works will necessitate an increase in the toll charged to use the bridge - a toll which has been in place for many years at a very low rate, at odds with other, similar bridge tolls," a representative said.

"Our focus now is on continuing to work with the relevant local authorities, and the communities in Warrington and Trafford, to minimise the impact of the works on all road users."

Warrington Borough Council and Trafford Council, which both voted to oppose the rise, have been approached for comment.