Businesses backing Warrington bridges toll fight

SUPPORT is growing for Warrington Borough Council’s opposition to the impending imposition of tolls on bridges across the River Mersey.

The authority says its campaign has been given significant endorsement by local businesses with 256 registrations of support, including Warrington Chamber of Commerce.

Council leader Terry O’Neill wrote to businesses in December asking for their support to keep the bridges toll free for Warrington residents.

Under the current plans for the bridges the intended road tolls would be imposed on all Warrington residents who use the current Silver Jubilee Bridge and new Mersey Gateway Crossing at Runcorn.
 
A ‘discount pass’ for Warrington drivers would cost £90 per month which would equate to an annual cost of more than £1,000 per year.
 
Cllr O’Neill, said, ‘We have had an astonishing response to the campaign so far and still more businesses are signing up.
 
“Many businesses and residents seem unaware at present of the effect that the tolls are likely to have.

The road tolls on the Runcorn bridges could mean even worse traffic congestion in Warrington as drivers seek to avoid the tolls – that is bad for residents, bad for business and bad for our reputation as a town.
 
“Furthermore, residents and businesses could be punitively hit as they travel to and from work across the bridges. A one way trip across the bridge is likely to cost £2 and even a ‘discount’ pass will be £90 per month.
 
“The effect on Warrington I feel could potentially be disastrous and could impact on our growth ambitions. I would encourage other businesses and organisations to join the lobby to ensure that the bridges are toll free for Warrington residents.”