The toll to use Warburton Bridge is to increase to £1 after the approval of an order opposed by hundreds of residents as well as Trafford Council and Warrington Council.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC), owned and operated by Peel Ports, applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for the order around two years ago.

Currently, the toll to use Warburton Bridge is 12p, which is the equivalent of the two shillings and sixpence paid by the users of another bridge in a similar spot some 160 years ago.

According to Peel Ports, its increase to £1 is to make improvements to the bridge and to its surroundings, including the introduction of automatic tolling rather than manual tolling in an attempt to tackle the queues.

The order was opposed by hundreds of residents as well as Trafford Council and Warrington Council but, after an inquiry, inspector Mike Robins recommended the Secretary of State for Transport to approve it.

The order was made, albeit with some minor modifications, in a ruling released last week.

The ruling reads: "The Secretary of State has heard a compelling case in favour of the scheme and is in agreement with the inspector any impact, particularly in relation to the increase in the toll, is outweighed by the benefits delivered by the scheme.

The charge is capped to two crossings per day and there is a discount for those at particular postcodes (WA3 6, WA13 9, M31 4).

But there is disappointment among those who called for a lesser charge or no charge at all.

James Wright, a councillor for Bucklow St Martins Ward, said: "While any investment to make improvements to the bridge is welcome, asking residents to pay for it is unacceptable."

"I think this is a poor decision and I stand with everyone who is against the plan to increase the toll by such an outrageous amount."

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "The council objected to the level of the toll increase and some of the provisions of the order regarding Warburton Bridge. 

"We are disappointed these objections were not accepted for the most part by the Inquiry Inspector and Secretary of State, but we are pleased the principle of a discount for nearby residents in Warburton and Partington was enshrined in the order.

"Our residents are struggling through a cost of living crisis. 

"The last thing they need is a toll increase on this bridge." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.