Turnpike trusts were bodies consisting principally of local gentry, which had been enstrusted by Act of Parliament with control of the roads in a defined area for a period of (generally) 21 years. To meet their expenses they were permitted to collect tolls from all passing vehicles at gates erected at suitable intervals. They could also employ surveyors to undertake improvements to the roads. The first Caernarvonshire Turnpike Act was passed in 1769. This image shows the General Statement of the Income and Expenditure of the Porthdinllaen and Nanthwynant Turnpike Trust for the year 1852.
Source: A. H. Dodd, 'A History of Caernarvonshire 1284-1900' (1968), pp. 212-3.