TRANSPORT chiefs will `listen carefully' to private-hire taxi drivers after they were not included on a list of exemptions to the congestion charge.

Black cab drivers, along with disabled drivers, and motorbike riders will not pay the peak-hour charge.

Private-hire drivers threatened legal action, claiming they were being unfairly discriminated against.

Now Association of Greater Manchester Authorities deputy leader Sir Richard Leese has pledged to hear their case.

He said: "There are legal difference between Hackney carriages, which can ply for trade on the street and use bus lanes, and private-hire vehicles.

"But, clearly as we go through the consultation process, we will listen carefully to what private-hire drivers say. I am sure they are going to make their case."

Sir Richard also denied transport chiefs had ever promised the proposed charge would be capped at £5 a day.

And he said fewer than one per cent of drivers were likely to rack up the maximum £10 a day bill by repeatedly crossing charging `zones'.

He said: "For most people, it is going to be £2-£3 maximum."

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