MOTORING expert Quentin Willson believes Manchester should not be bullied into a congestion charge scheme in exchange for a better public transport network.
The government has promised Manchester a £2.7bn Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) to carry out improvements to bus, rail, tram and school bus services if it introduces a two-ring congestion charge system with a peak-hour payment of up to £10 per day.
Public consultations are taking place. But, speaking exclusively to the M.E.N's sister TV station Channel M at the Trafford Centre's Motor Show yesterday, former Top Gear presenter Mr Willson said: "I believe fundamentally the whole notion of a congestion charge is flawed.
"I have a fundamental objection to blackmailing the people of Manchester that they will have a better transport system if they take the congestion charge. They deserve a better public transport system anyway. Have a referendum, have a fair and open referendum, that is democratic."
He said he was also concerned that commuters could end up paying an extra £800 to £900 a year to travel in and out of the city centre and that the scheme would not improve air quality or solve congestion problems.
What do you think? Have your say.
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MC Spanner (25/07/2008 at 07:07)
But Labour will keep going. Local Election losses, By Election losses, Opinion Polls are all wrong and Gordon Brown is right.
Another 20 years in opposition beckons!!!
shayla (25/07/2008 at 08:04)
We should have this new transport system paid out of what we already pay in car tax etc.
That money is already ours, we shouldn't have to pay for improvements, we already have a right to.
Transport improvement - YES
Congestion Charge - NO !
Chris, Irlam (25/07/2008 at 09:05)
So someone in a Hummer will pay the same as someone in a small city car or even an electric car like a G-Whizz.
Madness.
Richy007, Manchester (25/07/2008 at 09:12)
Laura Norder, Didsbury (25/07/2008 at 09:23)
His PR people are keen to keep him in the news since he lost his regular TV spot, hence his desire to venture an opinion on Manchester's ground-breaking, transport plans.
Back to selling bangers, Quentin. I believe that used 4 x 4 vehicles are right up your strasse.
Pob Warby (25/07/2008 at 09:25)
When was the last time he could manage 5th gear around the Trafford Centre eh?
Obviously Mr W is going to be biased, he's a petrol head and The TC have lots of parking spaces.
You want a solution? Turn the TC car park into a huge park and ride.
Will they though? Not on your nelly. They have a huge case of myopia, that's what.
PW - Dole for Labourites!, Manchester (25/07/2008 at 09:32)
we deserve better (25/07/2008 at 09:34)
we deserve better (25/07/2008 at 10:16)
It's just as well this is the most one-sided 'consulation' in history. Imagine what public opinion (opposition) would be if those against the CON charge had the same resources and exposure to hand?
I think it's shameful regional TV, in particular the BBC haven't set up any form of debate programming enabling a balanced platform for both sides.
we deserve better (25/07/2008 at 10:33)
Councillor Allheart, in a black cab (25/07/2008 at 10:52)
AlexisV (28/07/2008 at 13:38)
Er, I seriously doubt it.