MP dismayed over “slap in the face” over toll bridges

MP Helen Jones has expressed her dismay at the government’s response to her recent request for action to end charges on old toll bridges like the one at Warburton, near Warrington
Transport minister Jesse Norman has told her the government has no plan to repeal the 19th century legislation because the toll bridges are privately owned and operated.
The written question submitted by the Warrington North MP was: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to bring forward legislative proposals to repeal charges on toll bridges established under 19th Century Acts of Parliament and if he will make a statement.“
Jesse Norman replied: “These toll bridges are privately owned and operated. The operation and management of these privately owned tolled crossings are a matter for the respective individual companies and Government has no plans to repeal the legislation in respect of these charges.”
Ms Jones said: “I am dismayed at the government’s response, particularly as the Tory Leader of the House, only last week, expressed her sympathy and suggested that ministers would look at the issue.
“Instead of looking at the matter seriously the government have, sadly, just brushed the issue to one side. Only Parliament can repeal these antiquated 19th Century laws but this government flatly refused to do so because the toll bridges are privately owned and operated.
“This is a slap in the face for local people both here in Warrington and in the other areas these bridges are located. In effect the government does not care about the traffic misery and chaos caused.
“I will keep pressing the matter but it would appear I am pushing at a closed door.”