AN angry Lib Dem campaigner at Warrington has slammed councillors in a neighbouring borough over an order to charge tolls on the proposed new Mersey Gateway bridge.
Coun Jo Crotty – Prospective Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South – has criticised 
Labour-run Halton Borough Council for passing an order to charge tolls on the bridge before a public inquiry as been held.
Coun Crotty (pictured) said: “What is the point in calling an inquiry into tolls being charged if Halton Borough Council is going to make its decision before the inquiry begins?”
She claimed the order passed by Halton also means that even if the new Mersey Gateway bridge does not go ahead as planned, tolls could still be charged on the existing Jubilee Bridge – the first time a charging order has ever been placed on a bridge built at public expense.
“What makes this worse is that yet again the Labour Party have snuck the order through, barely consulting on this important issue,” said Coun Crotty.
Warrington Borough Council has already expressed concern at the tolls proposal because it believes it will result in a major increase in traffic flows in Warrington.
According to the Government’s own figures, if the Mersey Gateway was to have toll charges, around 50,000 vehicles would be likely to take alternative routes into nearby areas such as South Warrington.
Coun Crotty said: “I would urge all those concerned to sign my petition against tolls on the Mersey Gateway on my website at www.jocrotty.org.uk”
Halton Council claims it does not want to impose tolls on the bridge any more than anyone else, but has no choice because the Government will not fund the bridge.
They say the toll would be similar to those charged for the Mersey Tunnels – currently £1.40 for a car.
The pubic inquiry into the Mersey Gateway scheme is due to take place this year and, if given the go-ahead, the bridge could be completed by 2014.
