Turnpike Trusts

Turnpike Trusts were organizations established in Britain during the 18th and early 19th centuries to manage and maintain roads. They charged tolls (turnpikes) for road use to fund construction and upkeep. Created by acts of Parliament, these trusts improved travel and trade by enhancing road quality. Their operation involved setting toll rates and overseeing road conditions, significantly contributing to infrastructure development during the Industrial Revolution. While they improved transportation efficiency, the tolls could be a burden for travelers and businesses, eventually leading to their decline as the state took over road management.