Council dismayed by Warburton Toll Bridge charge rise

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

The decision to allow a bridge operator to raise its toll from 12p to £1 is a "great shame", a council has said.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC) has been given permission to increase charges for the Warburton Toll Bridge, which links Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Warrington Borough Council, which previously opposed the move, said it was "dismayed" by the decision.

MSCC said the increase was needed to fund "much-needed" works.

The bridge across Manchester Ship Canal links the areas covered by Warrington Borough Council and Trafford Council.

Both councils objected to plans to increase the toll and a public inquiry was held earlier this year.

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

'At odds'

Hans Mundry, Warrington's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the council was "dismayed" the inquiry did not rule in its favour.

He said the council put forward a "very strong and compelling case" and there was cross-party objection to the increase, as well as opposition from residents and businesses.

"We don't dispute the benefits of upgrading the bridge and its approach roads and introducing an automated tolling system," he said.

"What we do dispute however is who will ultimately be paying for these improvements.

"We will carefully consider our position and next steps in light of this decision."

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

Trafford Council said it was "disappointed" that the objections were not accepted, but added it was pleased discounts for some nearby residents had been put in the order.

"Our residents are struggling through a cost of living crisis and are having to pay huge increases in prices across the board," a representative said.

"The last thing they need is increased toll charges on this bridge."

It has been announced that the works will include free-flow or cashless tolling introduced.

John McGoldrick, from the National Alliance Against Tolls, said he was "particularly concerned" about MSCC being given enforcement powers over that policy.

MSCC owner Peel Ports said the toll had been in place at a very low rate "at odds with other similar bridge tolls".

It said it would focus on working with the local authorities and communities in Warrington and Trafford, adding that no tolls would be in place while the works take place.