WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid today (Tuesday) held urgent talks with Transport Minister Jesse Norman to discuss the Halton toll bridges and the impact the charge is having on local residents.
During the meeting Faisal raised constituents’ concerns about the tolls on the bridges to the Minister’s attention; including the impact on residents who need to travel to Halton Hospital – either for work or for treatment, the impact the tolls will have on local businesses, and the impact on local traffic congestion.
Faisal has pledged to continue to pressure the Government to take action on this issue.
After the meeting, Faisal said: “I am grateful to Minister Norman for taking the time to meet with me today, and I am pleased that he took on board the concerns of my constituents.
“We had a constructive meeting, and the Minister has agreed to go away and investigate options for alleviating the burden of the toll on my constituents.
“This is an important first step and I look forward to hearing the Minister’s suggestions. In the mean time I will keep up the pressure on the Government on this issue in order to get the best deal for my constituents in Warrington South.”
Since the toll bridge opened earlier this month there has been increased traffic in Warrington, in particular on Chester Road and Wilderspool Causeway, adding to existing heavy congestion at rush hour.
Former Warrington South MP David Mowat suffered a public backlash after former Chancellor George Osborne failed to deliver a pre-election promise of free tolls for Warrington residents.
MP Faisal Rashid
3 Comments
But credit due to him for actually having a meeting, face to face. He might win concessions for residents; he might not. But at least he’s had a right go and is still having a go. Unlike his colleague just up the road who shall remain nameless, or its likely these comments will be wiped too. An MP who tackles the government head on or an MP who just rants about them via the press, and then scarpers. I know what MP I’d sooner have representing me.
Since when did you have to cross bridge to attend Halton hospital
A lovely picture posted on social media by veteran MP Helen, just about to enjoy a grand and lavish meal in Parliament this week, to celebrate twenty years of, ahem, service to us mere mortals who inhabit Warrington North. Meanwhile over in Warrington South, new MP Faisal Rashid is spending his time, knocking on ministers doors, demanding meetings to thrash out an alternative to Warrington motorists paying the bridge toll charges. Anyone care to point out the ever growing disparity shown here by our two local Labour MPs?