THE number of peak-time swing bridge openings has reduced substantially over the past five years – but Peel Ports is facing fresh calls to 'justify' rush-hour movements.

The town's three swing bridges, which cross the Manchester Ship Canal, are situated on Chester Road, London Road and Knutsford Road.

In 2014, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the council and Peel Ports, the port operator agreed to keep the number of times the swing bridges open at rush hour to less than 100 times a year.

Throughout the whole of 2013 there were 116 vessels that crossed the Ship Canal at peak time, 72 in 2014, 59 in 2015, 51 in 2016 and 45 in 2017.

Peel Ports says each vessel travelling along the Ship Canal, and through Warrington, can take 150 to 300 lorries off the road, depending on the mix of container sizes – therefore, 'significantly easing' congestion on the M62 and surrounding routes.

But Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town's Liberal Democrats, has raised concerns.

He said: "We are pleased to see the Ship Canal used to reduce HGV movements on the motorways around Warrington – and welcome Peel's use of larger ships to reduce the number of bridge openings.

"However, we always felt that allowing any movements during peak hours was a mistake in the Memorandum of Understanding.

"It should have prohibited peak-time movements other than in exceptional circumstances, which would have to be justified and which would carry a charge.

"Exposing Warrington motorists to rush-hour delays and illegal levels of air pollution is unacceptable to serve Peel's operational convenience and profits."

Progress on other parts of the Memorandum of Understanding include the introduction of an early bridge opening warning system.

It has proved to be popular, with 3,879 people signing up to receive social media alerts.

The council is awaiting a decision over whether the Government will provide funding for the Western Link scheme, which would deliver a high-level crossing over the Ship Canal.

It believes the bypass 'would subsequently reduce the reliance on swing bridge crossings'.

A spokesman added: "Our agreement with Peel Ports over the swing bridge crossings is always under review and we are in constant dialogue with them.

"We are pleased that these ongoing discussions have led to a reduction of openings during peak times.

"We are committed to evaluating the Memorandum of Understanding annually and provide regular information to the public on the numbers and timings of bridge openings.

"Our aim is to carry out a more formal review of the agreement next year."

The authority also confirmed there is no 'end date' to the Memorandum of Understanding.

It will remain in force until 'further notice'.

Peak times in the agreement are defined as being from 7.30am to 9.30am, from Monday to Friday, 4.30pm to 6.30pm, from Monday to Thursday, and 3.30pm to 6.30pm on a Friday.