Swing bridge alerts – if you have a smartphone

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A NEW alert system to give motorists in Warrington advance warning of when swing bridges will be closed to road traffic has been launched – but people will need a facebook or twitter profile to use it.

The system will give warnings of 25-30 minutes before the bridges are due to swing and the service is free and can be accessed from a smartphone or via the borough council’s website.
The service is provided by Warrington Borough Council and Peel Ports – operators of the Manchester Ship Canal.
It is in addition to the existing roadside alerts on routes leading to the bridges warning that the bridge is “off” and encouraging motorists to switch off their engines.

Cllr Linda Dirir (pictured), the council’s lead member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “We are absolutely committed to improving the congestion caused by the swing bridges and are working in partnership with Peel to come up with solutions that will benefit our residents and motorists who travel here.
“Informing road users in advance of bring swings means that they are able to make an informed decision as to either changing departure time to avoid the swing or use an alternative route.
“By reducing the number of vehicles using the three roads that cross the Manchester Ship Canal when a bridge swing is imminent will not only reduce congestion, but helps the environment by the reduction of harmful gases being emitted from standing vehicles.
“We listened to the concerns of residents and have done everything in our power to ease the situation and want to give the travelling public as much information as possible to allow them to plan their journeys.”
Residents and motorists will need to follow @trafficwarr on twitter or like www.facebook.com/trafficwarrington on Facebook to be kept up-to-date.
They can also access the council’s website, save www.warrington.gov.uk/swingbridges to their bookmarks, and will be able to see the alerts feed on the left.
For more information visit http://www.warrington.gov.uk/swingbridges


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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