BOTH of Warrington’s MPs are united in their opposition to plans for a huge hike in the price to cross a bridge in the town.

Andy Carter and Charlotte Nichols both spoke during a public inquiry to highlight their discontent over proposals to raise the tariff on Warburton Toll Bridge.

The controversy surrounding the plans came after it was announced that prices would hike from 12p to £1 – the first price increase it has had for more than 130 years.

This is part of a wider ambitious £6.5million scheme to upgrade approach roads, footpaths and tolling system by The Manchester Ship Canal Company, which owns and operates the bridge.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company itself is a subsidiary of Peel Ports.

The bridge was first built in 1863 and connects Rixton to Warburton, which is when the current toll of 12p was set.

The proposed new toll of £1 including VAT, with discounts for local residents and frequent users, represents a hike of nearly 733 per cent.

But the bridge operator says that if the 12p toll had kept pace with inflation, it would now be around £15.

Warrington Guardian:

Both MPs attended the public inquiry held at the Village Hotel this week.

Speaking after giving evidence, Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “I agree that urgent work is required to repair the approach roads and bridge infrastructure, but that cost should not all be placed onto the motorist.

“Peel’s proposals are unacceptable and would see the toll go from 12p per crossing to £1 – meaning an extra cost of £500 a year for anyone using the bridge daily.

“I would prefer to see the tolls lifted altogether, but if that is not agreed to, there must be a discount for residents.

“The inquiry is being chaired by an independent panning inspector who will report to the Secretary of State for Transport early next year.”

Also issuing a statement was Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, who commented: “I remain completely opposed to any increase in the toll after years of failure by Peel to invest in maintenance and improvement.

“These proposed changes will be hugely detrimental and come at the worst possible time given our current cost of living crisis.

“There is a strong case for removal of the toll altogether, but in the absence of this, the status quo should prevail rather than residents and motorists having to shoulder the cost of something that the bridge owners should be responsible for.”