CAMPAIGNERS bidding to ‘become a force to be reckoned with’ are calling for changes to reduce the ‘misery’ of congestion at Warburton Toll Bridge near Lymm.

After forming last week, Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group already has more than 500 members.

In June, site owner Peel Ports confirmed it was designing a ‘programme of works’ ahead of a refurbishment of the crossing, which costs 12p to cross, or 25p for a day ticket.

The group has been established to provide residents within the vicinity of the structure ‘with a voice’ to challenge Peel.

Group founder Mark Broadstock, from Rixton, said motorists are left to face ‘traffic chaos’ on a daily basis.

The 37-year-old said: “The main issues that are affecting people living in and around the area of Warburton Toll Bridge are traffic and pollution.

“People are queueing for up to an hour to pay 12p at times.

“It is having a negative impact on the local economy as these people are having to go to work.

“The issue is not paying the toll. But in this modern era, how have we not got anything else apart from having people in a booth who take the money?

“It would be more efficient, and quicker, if residents could pay £5 a year and register their car and it then be recognised by an automatic number plate recognition system. If people use the bridge as a shortcut and live out the area then they should pay more.

“As long as it means there would be free-flowing traffic, I think people in the area would be happy with that.

“The aim of the group is not just to say to Peel ‘we want to stop paying’ but more about telling them to ‘get sensible’ with technology.

“One of the reasons the group started is because lots of people have written to their MPs and councillors but nothing has been done – we want them to do more.

“With being stuck on the bridge for up to an hour, there is also an impact on pollution.”

A group meeting is set to be organised before members put an agenda together.

Mr Broadstock added: “We are looking to grow the group into having a very strong volume of members.

“Constructing a dialogue with all sides concerned is essential for us. We will be lobbying the council and Peel.

“People power can be quite strong – we want to become a force to be reckoned with.

“We don’t want to cause mayhem – we want to campaign to be listened to, so that people’s lives are not a constant misery.”

A spokesman for Peel said: "Peel Ports Group is aware of the frustrations experienced by users of the Warburton Toll Bridge and welcomes feedback from the local community.

"We are in active discussion with Warrington and Trafford councils on a range of potential solutions and will share details of the planned improvements in due course.”