WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has written to Peel to raise concerns about their new system for fining motorists who cross the Warburton Toll Bridge.
ANPR cameras have recently been installed on the bridge, meaning motorists who do not pay the toll will receive a fine in the post. However, even motorists who have paid in advance via an online top-up system are reporting receiving fines many months after crossing.
Charlotte has asked Peel the following in her letter:
• What action Peel Ports will take to improve the reliability, accessibility and transparency of the payment system;
• What steps will be taken to ensure motorists can easily confirm when payments have been successfully made;
• The reasons why fines are being issued many months after the original crossing dates; and
• What measures will be introduced to ensure a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement where system failures or delays may have contributed.
Ms Nichols MP said:”The way motorists are being treated following crossing the Warburton Toll Bridge is completely unacceptable. Some people are reporting receiving fines months after crossing and others are seeing that their accounts are not being charged properly.
“This is why I raised these issues with Peel back in May. I am now awaiting a response and for a meeting to be arranged.
“I know many of you have already raised your concerns with me, however, I would be grateful if anyone reading this who has been impacted that you also let me know.”
Ms Nichols can be contacted by email. Please share your experience and attach any supporting evidence to the following address: charlotte.nichols.mp@parliament.uk
Since the bridge was constructed in the 19th century, the owners of the bridge were only permitted to charge 12.5p to cross. Until recently, payment could only be made in cash at a booth.
The previous government legislated to allow Peel who own the bridge to increase the toll charge to £1. In addition, Peel also removed the option to pay in cash at a booth and installed ANPR cameras to catch motorists who do not pay online.
When challenged previously, a spokesperson for the Manchester Ship Canal Company said: “This is a significant modernisation of the bridge operation and an adjustment for users. The approach we are taking on enforcement is proportionate and fair as it balances the responsibility we have to drivers who have paid the tolls, or those who have only had minor missed payments.”
