Drivers Fined Despite Being Miles Away
Motorists are claiming they are being unfairly penalised with fines for crossing Warburton Toll Bridge, even when they were hundreds of miles away at the time. The bridge, located east of Warrington, scrapped its 12p fee and replaced it with a £1 charge per crossing, enforced by CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Warning signs have replaced the former bridge master who used to collect the nominal charge from a booth. Drivers who fail to pay face fines of up to £100.
Some motorists have reported that the new online payment system is malfunctioning, as they have received fines for crossings they never made. Graham Parsons, 57, told the Telegraph he was fined despite being in Plymouth, approximately 275 miles away from the bridge. He said: "My biggest concern is being fined for a toll on a bridge I have never been near and despite it being clear that it is not my car." Mr Parsons suggested the ANPR system mistook a C for a G on a number plate, leading to a fine caused by another driver.
Action Group Highlights Widespread Issues
Brenda Williams, 74, runs the Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group, where scores of drivers have shared their stories of mistaken fines. She said a person living in Ireland also received a fine, and the group has seen cases of motorcyclists being fined when they are exempt from paying. Ms Williams commented: "It's just ridiculous. It's making people frustrated and upset and something needs to be done to sort it out."
The toll bridge is operated privately by Peel Ports Group-run Manchester Ship Canal Company. Figures from Peel Ports Group reportedly show there were 138,000 journeys deemed "non-compliant" since January.
Peel Ports Response
Jon Hassett, Deputy Director at Peel Ports Group, stated: "We recognise the variety of concerns road users have raised about the operation of the toll enforcement system, including the appeals process, payment methods and customer experience. We take all feedback seriously and are reviewing the examples that have been provided, in conjunction with Excel Parking who are responsible for the number plate recognition system and the toll charges."
