WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is pressing the Government to repeal archaic charges on sites including Warburton Toll Bridge.

The Labour politician asked Andrea Leadsom, leader of the House of Commons, to 'find time' for a debate on old toll bridges and the 'traffic chaos' they cause.

The charge at the site, near Lymm, was established by an Act of Parliament in 1863 but – although the law is archaic – it can only be repealed by a further Act of Parliament.

Mrs Leadsom said she 'shared the frustration' having experienced toll roads and resulting queues before encouraging Mrs Jones to keep raising the matter.

Mrs Jones said: "The Warburton Toll Bridge is causing traffic jams on all the surrounding main roads for the sake of a 12p toll.

"The Department for Transport seems to hold no data on the impact of these bridges and it is time that we debated the issue with a view to abolishing these 19th century tolls.

"The response from the leader of the house was encouraging and I hope Government ministers will look at the issue as she suggests they might.

"I have tabled a written question to the secretary of state for transport asking if he will make it his policy to bring forward legislative proposals to repeal charges on toll bridges, like Warburton bridge, established under 19th century acts of Parliament.

"I look forward to receiving his answer and hope it will be positive."

Last month, site owner Peel Ports confirmed an automatic 'free-flow' toll system and surface improvements were planned to be introduced at the bridge 'in the longer term'.