Worlsey and Swinton South MP, Barbara Keeley, has submitted a Statement of Case against the application by Peel which if successful would increase the Warburton Bridge toll from the current rate of 12p, to a maximum of £1.00 plus yearly inflation increases.
In a post on Facebook Barbara, said:
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"I did a survey of how my constituents felt about this proposed increase and I have used the survey responses to highlight the strength of feeling against the proposed increase and to illustrate the impact that this increase would have on those who regularly use the bridge.
"I know that many people in the surrounding area of the Warburton Bridge are concerned by the proposed increase, especially during a cost of living crisis and with inflation expected to hit over 10% by Autumn. I will continue to challenge Peel’s absurd proposal to increase the toll by 733%."
Peel Ports who own the bridge along with several other crossings along the ship canal which include Barton swing bridge which is currently in a sorry state, submitted a Works Act order to the government after a local consultation.
A spokesman for Peel Ports said:
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"The business case shows, 12p per crossing is clearly insufficient".
"The bridge requires modernisation and an appropriate level of toll to ensure it has a sustainable future."
The bridge which Links the villages of Rixton in Warrington, Cheshire to the north, with Warburton in Trafford, Greater Manchester to the south is not within the Salford boundary but an increase in charges would affect those who regularly use the crossing via Irlam and Cadishead.
It remains the only route across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60.
Campaigners have called for the fee's to be scrapped altogether, claiming they are outdated in this day and age.
Warrington's MPs, Labour's Charlotte Nichols and Conservative Andy Carter, have both previously called for the bridge to be run by local authorities.
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