BUSINESSES in London have looked on in envy as Greater Manchester drew up its plans.

Dr Helen Hill, of the London Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Manchester scheme, as outlined, looks like a significant improvement on the unpopular and inflexible London congestion charge. Whereas the London scheme operates all day, the Manchester proposals include a six and a half hour charge-free window in the middle of the day."

The Road Haulage Association wants lorries to be excluded from any scheme.

A spokesman said: "It is designed to reduce congestion by demand managing motorists, so that they use the bus or train or drive at less congested periods.

"Lorries do not have these alternatives; they are not going to work, they are at work and therefore a charge on them would be simply a new journey tax - a charge on business."

Investment

Mark Threapleton, chairman of Greater Manchester Bus Operators Association and managing director of Stagecoach Manchester said: "What must be recognised is that the TIF bid is so much more than just the congestion charge. It's about massive investment in the public transport infrastructure of Greater Manchester."

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "AGMA has made its decision and we now wait to see if the bid will be approved. We look forward to further consultation and there is still a lot of explanation that the business community requires."

But the Federation of Private Business's Campaigns Manager, Matt Hardman, said there would be no escaping the charge for many local companies.

"For many smaller firms the charge will be unavoidable, they can't put their goods and services on public transport, even if it is improved. Secondly, the times that they drive into and out of the zones are dictated by their customers, not by them."

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