MOTORISTS in Warrington have been told they will not face tolls on the Runcorn-Widnes Bridge if a new crossing is not built.

Clr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council moved to allay fears that despite approving tolls for both, none would be placed on the existing bridge should the second crossing be refused at inquiry.

His comments came in response to concerns raised by Warrington South Liberal Democrat MP hopeful Clr Jo Crotty about tolls being imposed regardless of a second bridge being built.

Major routes like Bridge Foot would be hit by an increase in traffic of a predicted four per cent should tolls come into force.

"What is the point in calling an inquiry into tolls being charged if Halton Council are going to make their decision before the inquiry begins?" she had asked.

Last July Warrington Borough Council called on their Halton counterparts to pay up for measures to tackle increased congestion.

Cllr McDermott confirmed: “Much as I would love to see a free-to-user bridge, it is not going to happen. As far as locals are concerned, we are very very adamant that there must be a regime that allows for local discretion.”

It has been revealed that there is also a shortfall of £22 million to acquire land for the project, but Halton Council say they will be given Government funding should the scheme be approved.

Meanwhile Warrington South Conservative MP hopeful David Mowat has told William Hague that the bridge should not be funded by motorists.

Mr Mowat spoke at the launch of transport in the north, a policy commission focusing on the infrastructure, chaired by the Richmond MP and handed in a petition with almost 3,000 signatures against the tolls.

“The new bridge over the Mersey is necessary and overdue, it should be paid for by the government in the same way as similar projects in other parts of the country. Instead, the Government is diverting the funding down to pay for the Thames Gateway Improvements. This is not right.”said Mr Mowat.

The public inquiry into the bridge is now expected to take place in May and Warrington council are set to hear an update on talks about funding improvements made by Halton to mitigate the impact on traffic in the town at an executive board meeting next month .