Among those who withdrew their objections during the inquiry was Warrington Council, who sent a letter of support for the bridge, despite originally criticising it.

The council said it had reached a draft agreement with Halton and would support the scheme if mitigation measures were provided if traffic increased through Warrington from motorists trying to avoid tolls on the bridges.

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, suggested Park and Ride as a possible mitigation measure.

The key objectors heard during the inquiry included the Alliance, comprising the North West Transport Roundtable and Friends of the Earth, who said proper thought should have been given to tolling the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB).

Local residents were also unable to secure details of the concession rate they would receive from the bridge tolls which are expected to be in line with Mersey tunnel tolls, currently £1.40.

If approved, the £431m Mersey Gateway Project will build a new toll bridge over the Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes.

The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will also be tolled.