Mersey Gateway bridge toll bid sparks war of words

Feb 5 2009 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A ROW has erupted between the Mersey Gateway board and a key member of Warrington’s Liberal Democrats over orders to pave the way for bridge tolling.

Dr Jo Crotty, prospective MP for Warrington South, has accused the bridge partners of “sneaking through” charging orders in advance of a public inquiry being held.

She has also launched a major online petition against the tolling plan at www.jocrotty.org.uk

Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Council, described Dr Crotty’s claims as “preposterous” and “scaremongering”.

He also disputed her claim that tolls would push an extra 50,000 cars into areas such as south Warrington.

Dr Crotty said: “What’s the point in calling an inquiry into tolls being charged if Halton Council are going to make their decision before the inquiry begins?

“The order passed by Halton also means even if the new Mersey bridge does not go ahead as planned, tolls could still be charged on the existing bridge – the first time a charging order has ever been placed on a bridge built at public expense.”

She added: “What makes this worse is that yet again the Labour Party have snuck the order through, barely consulting on this important issue.”

Cllr McDermott said: “The statements made are inaccurate and preposterous and can only be an attempt at scaremongering.

“We are surprised Jo Crotty appears unaware of the procedure we are required to follow.

“The proposed charging order for the Silver Jubilee Bridge and the various planning applications for the Mersey Gateway are part of a composite scheme that will be considered by a single public inquiry.

“To allow this to happen, we were required to make the charging order for Silver Jubilee Bridge prior to requesting the Government to confirm the order.

“We have no intention of introducing charging on the Silver Jubilee Bridge without the Mersey Gateway.”