TRANSPORT chiefs have hit the streets . . . to keep traffic off the road.

A consultation trailer hitched to a Mercedes lorry rolled into Albert Square yesterday as part of a tour of the region aimed at getting feedback on plans for a peak-hour congestion charge in return for £2.7bn of public transport improvements.

A steady stream of visitors were given the chance to confront officials with their concerns and see maps of the proposed transport improvements, including a massive extension of the Metrolink tram network. They also put their views across in a Big Brother-style `diary room'.

The consultation comes ahead of a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on the plan, due in December.

Visitors expressed mixed views to the MEN after attending. Morgan Wolstenholme, a 28-year-old purchase ledger clerk from Castlefield, said: "I'm a cyclist and use public transport a lot. My main concern is whether the proposals are going far enough, because currently the amount of traffic on the road is ridiculous."

David Egerton, a 52-year-old internet marketing boss from Altrincham, said: "I think they are going to do what they want regardless of what we say.

"These so-called improvements will not benefit most people. My company is considering moving out of Manchester because the expense."

A female teacher from Bolton, who asked not to be named, said: "They have sent out quite a lot of information, but I'm a bit cynical. I assume it's a fait accompli since they must have invested a fortune in it already.

"I don't think Bolton is getting an awful lot out of it. We have no tram link, an appalling train station, and public transport is only any good if you stay in the office all day."

What do you think? Have your say.