Runcorn bridge tolls get go-ahead

Sep 4 2008 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

COUNCIL chiefs have unanimously backed plans to toll the Silver Jubilee Bridge as part of the proposed Mersey Gateway Project.

Executive board members rubber stamped a Road User Charging Order to toll the crossing at a special meeting held on Tuesday.

But the move comes despite objections from a neighbouring council, environmentalists and businesses.

In a document read out at the meeting, Vale Royal said it regarded the tolls as “punitive” to local firms and residents who use the bridge.

And it added it was “not satisfied” that Halton Council had adequately considered exemptions.

Halton Council chiefs said they planned to meet with Vale Royal to discuss the issue further.

However, the matter was complicated by the fact that the latter authority would be replaced by the new Cheshire West and Chester Council on April 1, 2009.

The board agreed that there should be a commitment to make public transport exempt from tolls.

And responding to the concerns expressed by Halton-based companies, council chief executive David Parr said: “Businesses have to think about how much it costs them to be sat still, using fuel, because it’s congested.”

Cllr McDermott added that discounts for residents are a “certainty”.

However, the council is playing its cards close to its chest with regards an exact discount figure, saying it needs to remain flexible for future negotiations with private firms interested in running the bridges.

The plans will now be considered in full by the Department for Transport, with a public inquiry likely to follow.

Cllr McDermott said: “All the information about the development is now on the Secretary of State’s desk.

“A £400m project is bound to result in a public inquiry, but we’ll be ready for it if it comes.”