Andrew Western has spoken out about plans to increase the Warburton Toll Bridge crossing charge.

The proposals, to increase the crossing fee from 12p to £1, were first outlined by Peel Ports in 2021.

However, in January 2022, a cross-party motion objecting to the price increase, was approved. The eight-fold increase was also objected to by Labour MPs and Trafford Council, as well as local residents.

However, last week (Friday 6 October), the Secretary of State confirmed that plans to modernise the toll bridge – and increase the toll charge – had been approved.

Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “I was really frustrated to see that the judgement went in Peel Ports’ favour. Residents, businesses, local Labour MPs and local councils were united, we all felt that it was wrong to pass the cost of the bridge renovations onto the public.

“This decision will increase financial pressure to my constituents that live in Partington. Residents are reliant on this bridge and this price hike will only add to the financial pressure that people already face.

“It shouldn’t be up to residents to pay for these renovations, especially when we are in the depths of a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling to make ends meet.

“I will be working with local partners to determine what to do next and consider what options remain available to challenge this decision.”