Warrington Council slams Peel over Warburton Bridge

The bridge is owned by Peel Ports, which applied for permission to increase the toll exponentially in 2021.

Proposals have now been accepted by the Secretary of State, and the toll will increase by 733.33 per cent from 12p each way to £1 each way.

The toll is taken over Warburton Bridge to pay for the upkeep of another bridge in the area (Image: Maps)

A small concession has been made that drivers will not be charged more than £2 per day - but this is still eight times more than the previous cost of a 'day ticket,' which was 25p per day.

Residents and activist groups have lashed out at Peel for making the decision, which they say will increase the financial burden on those who use the bridge on their daily commute.

Now, Warrington Borough Council has issued a damning statement on the decision taken by Peel Ports and the Secretary of State.

It reads: "The council has strongly objected to plans to increase tolls to use the bridge since they were first outlined in 2021.

"The proposals were put forward by Peel Ports to the Secretary of State, under a Transport and Works Act Order.

"In January 2022, a cross-party motion was approved which objected to the proposals by Peel Ports to increase the bridge toll from 12p per crossing to £1.

"This eight-fold increase was also objected to by both of Warrington’s MPs, Trafford Council and local residents."

The statement adds that 'discounted tolls would apply to WA3 6, WA13 9 and M31 4 postcodes.'

"However, the inspector has rejected calls from the council for WA13 0, WA3 4, WA3 5 and WA3 7 postcodes to also be included," the statement adds.

It continues: "Parts of WA3 5, which covers the Glazebrook area, are of particular concern given how reliant residents in this area are on the bridge."

Cllr Hans Mundry has lambasted the proposals (Image: Warrington Borough Council)

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “As a council, we are dismayed that the judgement has not been ruled in our favour.

“We believe we put forward a very strong and compelling case. Objection to the toll bridge price hike is a matter that has cross-party consensus and overwhelming support from our residents and businesses, too.

"This decision doesn’t appear in line with the lengthy and detailed feedback the council, partners and residents put forward.

“In the order decision, the inspector acknowledged that increasing the toll would cause considerable financial pressure for people who are reliant on the bridge.

"It is a great shame that despite this the ultimate judgement is to proceed with plans to increase charges."

Cllr Mundry added: “We don’t dispute the benefits of upgrading the bridge and its approach roads, and introducing an automated tolling system. What we do dispute however is who will ultimately be paying for these improvements.

“We will carefully consider our position and next steps in light of this decision.”