COUNCIL chiefs are confident a new system which makes it easier to buy Warburton Toll Bridge annual passes will ease congestion.

Site owner Peel Ports has launched a user-friendly online registration method for the 12-month pass, which costs £60 plus VAT.

Drivers who regularly cross the bridge, near Lymm, are being urged to purchase the passes.

It follows discussions between Peel Ports, Warrington Borough Council and Trafford Council to resolve concerns about congestion and delays at the bridge, a popular crossing over the Manchester Ship Canal.

Anyone who buys the pass and displays it on their vehicle will be permitted to cross the site without stopping to pay.

It comes as Peel Ports continues to work towards the installation of a free-flowing tolling system, which uses automatic number plate recognition technology, to improve the flow of traffic.

Future plans also include new turning areas, road resurfacing, an increase in vehicle weight limit, traffic calming measures and the strengthening of HGV restrictions.

Mark Whitworth, chief executive of Peel Ports said: “It is recognised by all our stakeholders that the more people that have the annual pass, the more it will ease congestion.

“Therefore, we have launched this new website and a more user-friendly payment system to encourage more people to take up the pass.”

Council chiefs at the two authorities have also welcomed the move.

Cllr Hans Mundry, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for highways and transportation, said: “We have been working closely with Peel Ports and Trafford Council on solutions to help ease traffic congestion at Warburton Toll Bridge.

“This new online system aims to give drivers an easier way to purchase the annual pass.

“Ultimately, a good take-up of the pass will improve traffic flow, so we hope this new way of registering will be appealing to drivers.”

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s executive member for investment, regeneration and strategic planning, added: “There have been issues with traffic flow in this area for many years.

“The new pass is an excellent idea and will help to ease congestion.

“I would urge drivers to sign up to the new scheme.”

A payment booth at the crossing was destroyed following a suspected arson in May last year.

Peel Ports says, due to an Act of Parliament, there is a legal obligation to charge everyone who crosses the bridge – with the toll currently priced at 12p one way and 25p for a day ticket.

The company added that toll revenue goes towards the maintenance of the bridge, repairs to the carriageway, utilities and services.

The annual pass is available from a new dedicated website, which will also be used for consultation with residents, as well as to communicate live information about the bridge.

To view it head to warburtontollbridge.co.uk.