Concern Over Return of Tolls

There are concerns over the decision by Peel Ports to bring back tolls on Warburton Bridge from 1^st June.

Since early on in the lockdown, the tolls have been withdrawn following a review of the safety aspects.

Lymm North and Thelwall Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors Cllr Ian Marks and Cllr Bob Barr say: We were very pleased when Peel did the right thing and withdrew the tolls. There had been a lot of pressure from the public to do this. But we are not happy that they have re-introduced them at this stage. We have no doubt that they have done this following guidance from the experts, but that doesn't mean they had to make the change now.

There are two main issues. Firstly, there is social distancing in the small cabin for the two members of staff who collect the toll money, not to mention social distancing between staff and drivers. Secondly there is the touching of coins because change will often have to be given as part of the 12p toll charge transaction. Staff may be wearing gloves but the public won't be.

We know that the operation of tolls at the best of times on this Bridge is a highly contentious matter, but we really think Peel should have delayed the introduction until the pandemic is less virulent. We ask them to think again.