THE controversial toll booth at Warburton Bridge has been destroyed by fire during the night.
The fire broke out at around 1.10am this morning and two fire crews, one from Lymm and one from Altrincham attended at the scene and used hose reels to extinguish the flames.
It is believed the cause of the blaze was arson.
Campaigners have been battling for years to have the controversial 12p toll removed due to traffic congestion issues.
Talks have been ongoing between owners Peel Holdings, the Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group, local authorities and councillors, to come up with a solution.
The road has now been closed in both directions.
Earlier this year MP Helen Jones expressed her dismay at the government’s response to her request for action to end charges on old toll bridges like the one at Warburton.
Transport minister Jesse Norman told her the government has no plan to repeal the 19th century legislation because the toll bridges are privately owned and operated.
@warringtonworld Warburton Bridge toll appears to have been burnt down.
— Irlam Cadishead Now (@IrlamCadNow) May 10, 2018
5 Comments
why is it controversial?????????????????
Why is it controversial!!!? What planet have you been on?
Thousands of people have been complaining about this toll bridge for decades! Hence controversial!! 🙈
The road is open ! Saved 12p 😁
Shame it’s not much to go over and it is privately owned would u not do the same if it was urs pay to go over I would
Here’s a solution………..put an end to the multi-millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money that is used to enable Peel Holding’s projects…….share those £millions between local authorities who could then throw a couple of quid at Peel to pay the measley 12p toll then spend the rest improving public services.