MOTORISTS are facing traffic 'chaos' following the return of tolls at Warburton Toll Bridge.

A new payment booth has been installed after the previous structure was destroyed in a suspected arson on May 10.

Peel Ports, which owns the site, near Lymm, said tolls will only be charged in one direction at peak times as it has not been possible to fully restore normal operations.

But the return of the booth is already having a huge impact on motorists.

Rixton resident Mark Broadstock said: "The toll booth is back and it's causing mayhem – it's simply not fair.

"They are collecting tolls but only on the busiest side, which is again having a negative impact on the flow of traffic."

Peel said it 'remains committed' to addressing the concerns raised by the community and recognises the bridges are in need of maintenance and upgrading.

A spokeswoman added: "Under the Rixton and Warburton Bridge Act of 1863, later subsumed into the Manchester Ship Canal Acts, the toll covers the entirety of Peel Ports' undertaking, from Warburton village to the A57.

"We plan to undertake necessary maintenance and life extension works to the bridges, raise the weight limit to 7.5t maximum gross weight, install an automated tolling system to improve the flow of traffic, resurface and introduce traffic calming measures to accommodate 10,000 vehicles per day.

"We are also planning to introduce HGV restrictions and turning areas.

"However, as the road and bridges are subject to an Act of Parliament, in order to proceed with these works we are required to undertake a statutory process, which includes conducting a public consultation and applying to Government for a toll bridge order.

"This process is time consuming and we are committed to working collaboratively with Warrington Borough Council, Trafford Borough Council and the Toll Bridge Action Group in order to speed up this process in so far as is possible within the bounds of the relevant statutes and procedures.

"The recent arson attack on the toll booth does not change this statutory process or the timescales involved."

During Monday's full council meeting, Cllr Hans Mundry, the council's executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, highlighted the site.

He said: "With regards to the future charge of the toll, the council has consistently asked Peel to consider the removal of the toll, which Peel has refused to do.

"A number of Acts of Parliament have given Peel Ports the power to collect the toll.

"The council has consistently expressed strong concerns to Peel Ports about the considerable delays experienced by motorists on a daily basis and the impact on the communities in close proximity to the bridge.

"I have been assured that the council provides regular updates on the progress made on the above actions – and will continue to hold Peel Ports to account on these actions."