Thousands of residents fuelled with stress and anxiety brought on by traffic issues at Warburton Bridge have the support of Trafford Labour Group after it voiced its objection for plans to increase the toll charge by 700pc.

The application to hike the daily price to cross the bridge from 12p to £1 has been submitted by The Manchester Ship Canal Company.

It argues the extra revenue would finance a £6.6m upgrade to the bridge and nearby roads, as well as cutting queues by introducing an automated toll system.

However, in order for the firm to increase the current fee it needs to submit an application, which must go through a Parliamentary process.

During Thursday’s extraordinary meeting of Full Council, Labour councillors voted to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, with a swathe of objections in respect of the Warburton Bridge Order.

Cllr James Wright, Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “What we are dealing with here is a multimillion pound firm expecting struggling families to pay for its bridge repairs.

“While any investment to make improvements to the bridge, surrounding roads and payment system is welcome, asking frustrated residents to pay for it is, in my opinion, completely unacceptable.”

Cllr Wright, who represents Bucklow St. Martins Ward, added: “I fully support all the objections listed in the report and hope they go some way to assure residents we are listening to their concerns.”

The bridge crosses the Manchester Ship Canal and joins Warrington and Trafford areas – and is the only route across the River Mersey and ship canal between the M6 and M60.

In response to the order, the authority said it is ‘disappointed’ that the long-standing 25p all-day toll charge will not continue.

It has requested at least a 50pc reduction for frequent users of the crossing if a price rise is introduced while at the same time rejecting the proposal for an annual increase.

Plans to introduce a fine for unpaid toll charges that would range from £30 to £100 is also a concern for the council.

Cllr Adele New, who also represents Bucklow St. Martins Ward, says it is vital residents’ voices are heard after being united for years with stress and anxiety due to this ‘unbearable’ situation.

She said: “Issues with daily air pollution caused by stationary traffic, delays for commuters, children forced to complete homework in standstill traffic because it’s too late to do it when they eventually arrive home – cannot and should not continue.

“Added to this residents are expected to put up with delays because of skeletal public transport while the vulnerable only choosing to venture out when it is absolutely necessary.”

Cllr New continued: “And the most tragic incident happened when an ambulance was unable to pass through traffic at speed to potentially save the life of an elderly – and much loved – resident.

“I therefore back all my Labour colleagues and support all the objections listed in the report.”

Trafford Council is also opposed to the bridge owner potentially making a profit from the proposed price increase and has requested charges be waived during periods of heavy congestion and closures.