WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid has written to a transport minister to highlight the 'clear economic case' to ending tolls on the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

The Labour politician's plea to Jesse Norman comes one year after the crossing opened to traffic.

The letter was co-signed by neighbouring MPs Mike Amesbury, Maria Eagle, Justin Madders, Chris Matheson and Conor McGinn.

In the letter, Mr Rashid claimed the 'truths' of the impact of the charges are being 'continually ignored'.

He said: "We noted, with interest, that at the recent Conservative Party conference, the Government took the decision to abolish the tolls on the Severn Bridge earlier than originally planned.

"The Prime Minister stated that she hoped this decision would send a clear message that the Conservatives are 'positive and open for business'.

"However, this message is not being heard in the north west."

Former Chancellor George Osborne pledged that drivers in Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester would have tolls waived ahead of the 2015 General Election.

However, ministers made a U-turn after confirming extending the discount scheme further to also include Knowsley, Liverpool City Council and St Helens would cost around £604 million.

Mr Rashid added: "The cost attached to the Mersey Gateway crossing has resulted in many people in our constituencies being left over £1,000 a year worse off.

"It has also had a real impact on local business and has further restricted the growth of local economies.

"There is a clear economic case to ending the tolls.

"The scrapping of the Severn Bridge tolls will save regular users £1,400 a year.

"This is estimated to boost South Wales' economy by £100 million a year according to Welsh secretary, Alun Cairns.

"The Federation of Small Business in Wales has said that removing the tolls will remove barriers to business growth, generating profits that can be reinvested into UK roads.

"We strongly believe that similar benefits would be felt across our north west constituencies.

"To mark the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, we would like to invite you to join us for a roundtable discussion with residents and representatives from the business community, who have been affected by this issue."