Paul Cooke, retired civil engineer from Widnes, asks why tolls decision didn’t go to public vote

Jun 4 2009 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A RETIRED civil engineer from Widnes has quizzed bridge project officials on why the decision to impose tolls on drivers crossing the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) was not put to a public vote.

Paul Cooke, of Widnes, posed the question at the public inquiry into the Mersey Gateway, which is in its third week.

Mr Cooke said tolling the SJB will in effect be a ‘congestion charge’ and he demanded to know why Halton residents would not have a referendum like Manchester had over its recently proposed charge.

Steve Nicholson, Mersey Gateway project director, said the project can go ahead only if both the new and old bridges are tolled.

He added that for many years residents have had the chance to air their views on the project, which he said was standard practice for planning projects.

In addition, Mr Nicholson said that Halton Borough Council thinks the planning process is ‘the most appropriate’ way to weigh up the project.

Mr Nicholson said Halton Council could only hold a vote in Halton and this would exclude residents outside the borough – who will also be affected by the tolls – to have their say.

Mr Cooke, having quizzed the Mersey Gateway team, was then cross-examined, during which he said there should be a new bridge and that improvements to cycling and public transport would be good.

At the end of his cross-examination Mr Cooke said he was still worried that there would be no ‘independent voice’ controlling future tolls.