We love our quaint village but we hate having to pay 12p every time we drive in and out… it’s a nightmare
RESIDENTS living in a village where they have to pay 12p every time they drive in and out say it’s making their lives a nightmare.
The controversial toll bridge, which has been in place in Warburton, Greater Manchester for more than 125 years, has been a source of outrage.
Residents are not exempt from the 12p toll and they have to pay every time they leave and enter the village.
Queues to pay the fee often cause nightmare traffic – particularly during rush hour, locals said.
The situation is often made worse when there are incidents on the motorway, causing drivers to use the bridge as a cut through.
It’s the only route across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal between the M6 and M60 motorways, meaning thousands drive across it daily.
The fee can only be paid in cash and by hand.
Disgruntled resident Steve Ellis said: “The bridge is a nightmare. When the motorway has a problem, everyone tries to cut through.
“They don’t upkeep it. If you drive over the bridge there’s that many potholes you wouldn’t believe it.”
Last summer, controversial plans to increase the toll for the first time in more than 130 years were put forward, the Manchester Evening News reported.
The proposed new price of £1 was part of a £6.5 million plan to upgrade approach roads, footpaths and the tolling system by Peel Ports, which owns and operates the bridge.
Even though the plan included discounts proposed for residents, it sparked fury and outrage in the village.
Steve complained: “I drive over the bridge at least once a day. If they put it up to a quid, it’s going to cost me £4 or £5 a day. It all mounts up.”
In 2018, the bridge toll booth was even torched by an infuriated driver who became fed up waiting to cross it.
One resident told the Times: “I fully understand why someone did it. It’s like we’re free.”
A spokesperson for Peel Ports said: “The toll is the best way to fund these much-needed improvements and the current 12p fee has not changed since 1863, and which had to incorporate the introduction of a VAT liability.
“Users of the bridge deserve facilities fit for the 21st Century which will ultimately ease congestion, reduce tailbacks and improve the general flow of traffic in the area.
“The current toll is one of the lowest in England and will not fund the capital investment needed to support the maintenance and modernising of the facilities motorists are in favour of.”