Stretford and Urmston Conservatives have welcomed the news that a public inquiry will take place in November into plans to raise the cost of using the Warburton Toll Bridge.
The Manchester Ship Canal Company, part of the Peel Ports Groups had submitted an application for new tolls, byelaws and collection arrangements. Under these new arrangements, the cost of a single crossing of the bridge would increase from the current cost of 12p to £1.00.
Commenting on the proposals, Gary Towers, Conservative campaigner for the area said “The bridge is the only route across the River Mersey and ship canal between the M6 and M60 and is important to the people of Partington, some of whom use it daily to get to their places of work.
“Under this plan, the cost to use the bridge would increase by over eightfold which is grossly unfair on local people who have no other choice but to use it. The ship canal company say that they need to increase the charges to upgrade to the bridge and nearby roads, but Peel Ports Group should be able to absorb more of the estimated £6.6m cost of the upgrade themselves.
“Conservative councillors on Trafford Council and Conservative MP for Warrington South, Andy Carter raised objections to the price hike and Stretford and Urmston Conservatives are relieved that for now, the cost to use the bridge will not be increasing.”
