Warburton Bridge - works

[c2R]

The Rixton and Warburton Bridge Order 2024 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/630

The Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited (“MSCC”) is planning to undertake a series of improvement works on the bridge and its approach roads. These improvement works, which include road resurfacing, bridge repainting, carriageway widening (on the approach roads), and the construction of a new footway, are scheduled to commence during the second half of 2024.

During the period of the improvement works, MSCC has undertaken not to collect the toll in respect of vehicles passing over the bridge.


The Order revises the tolls which The Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited (“MSCC”) may charge for use of the Rixton and Warburton Bridge and supersedes the toll levels set out in the Rixton and Warburton Bridge Act 1863.

This Order contains provisions for local user discount and provisions in relation to Improvements to the Rixton and Warburton Bridge to be completed before MSCC can charge the tolls in accordance with the Order.

This Order contains provisions for MSCC to make new byelaws in relation to the good management and use of the Rixton and Warburton Bridge in order to safeguard the navigation of the Manchester Ship Canal.

[Conekicker]

That's a big increase, 12p up to £1. How long has it been 12p?

[c2R]

That's a big increase, 12p up to £1. How long has it been 12p?

The BBC say 1980 - but I think actually it is since 1890 with the opening of the new bridge. The 1867 act allows for maximum return tolls of 2/6 to be charged for a return journey, so 12p is a decimalised version of this.

[fras]

Since moving to near Crewe in 1995, we've used this bridge a lot over the years. The deterioration of the bridge road is now very evident, and there is an urgent need to relay it. Under Schedule 6, the work to be done goes into great detail on the road, but also includes this: -

7. ANPR—
all the necessary works to remove existing toll booth and barriers in respect of the Bridge and install a system of payment of tolls via ANPR.

[trickstat]

That's a big increase, 12p up to £1. How long has it been 12p?

The BBC say 1980 - but I think actually it is since 1890 with the opening of the new bridge. The 1867 act allows for maximum return tolls of 2/6 to be charged for a return journey, so 12p is a decimalised version of this.

So there's one thing that got 1/2p cheaper with decimalisation!

[SteelCamel]

So there's one thing that got 1/2p cheaper with decimalisation!

No, it will have got cheaper with the withdrawal of the decimal halfpenny. Which it seems wasn't actually until 1984 - but they weren't used much by that point, so I guess it was clear by 1980 that they were on their way out.

[trickstat]

So there's one thing that got 1/2p cheaper with decimalisation!

No, it will have got cheaper with the withdrawal of the decimal halfpenny. Which it seems wasn't actually until 1984 - but they weren't used much by that point, so I guess it was clear by 1980 that they were on their way out.

I think once shops couldn't afford to sell blackjacks, fruit salads and rhubarb and custards for half a penny like they did when I was in primary school (left in 1979) the writing was on the wall.

[swissferry]

I recall most advertised special offers in foods shops in the early 80s ended in halfpence. Presumably using similar logic to ending in 99p.

[nowster]

The sixpence coin (2½p) would now have about the same purchasing power as the ½p had when they were both withdrawn.

[Chris Bertram]

I recall most advertised special offers in foods shops in the early 80s ended in halfpence. Presumably using similar logic to ending in 99p.

Would have to be early 80's, the ½p coin was withdrawn in1984, though it had never been popular from the start. It was tiny and prone to getting lost, and had only really been created as a coin of a value close to the old 1d. Our local bus company never had ½p fares and didn't really like them being dropped in the fare collection machines, though once they were in there they couldn't fish them out. So in the end they were withdrawn and nobody missed them.

[Chris Bertram]

The sixpence coin (2½p) would now have about the same purchasing power as the ½p had when they were both withdrawn.

The half crown (2s 6d = 12½p) could have been accommodated within the decimal system on the same basis as the tanner (6d) with no new issue and gradual withdrawal, but wasn't for some reason. I do remember having a half crown as pocket money when I was about eight or nine, that would be shortly before decimalisation.

[Bryn666]

Obligatory reminder the toll relates to legal shenanigans relating to the former River Mersey crossing that was obliterated by the MSC.

Given the roads on the south side are terrible and the A57 doesn't cope well either, there's always been a reluctance to encourage more use of this bridge; the £1 toll presumably being ANPR charged will alleviate some of the horrendous queues you get at peak times.

[fras]

The toll booth is but a few yards away from the bridge over the old Mersey river, and the toll keepers house is still there.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mmuyzPD6Y2qXxskV9
Of course, we shall still use the bridge to get to Bent's Garden Centre. Maybe they'll have a cheap day return ticket !

[Chris Bertram]

B5159 currently ends at the toll booth and does not cross the bridge. Is this likely to change?