The Confederation of British Industry said it was `supportive of the principle' behind the region's bid for a transport package of more than £2.7bn in return for a weekday, peak-hour charge.
The decision came after a poll of 260 CBI companies showed 55.5 per cent backed the proposal, and 52.9pc said it would bring `some general benefit' to business.
But the results - obtained by the M.E.N. - showed a significant number of companies believe the plans can be improved.
CBI members are concerned that the transport cash that would come with the charge is too focused on movements in and out of the city centre. They also expressed worries about how long the improvements would take and whether the scheme would do anything to tackle jams on the M60 - which is outside the congestion-charge zone.
Greater Manchester will decide in a referendum in December whether it wants to push ahead with the congestion charge in return for £2.7bn. £1.2bn would be in the form of a loan, paid back over 30 years.
The cash would pay for major improvements to the tram, train and bus networks. The money would come from the government's Transport Innovation Fund after ministers provisionally accepted the bid, from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.
Damian Waters, director of the CBI in the north west, said: "The CBI supports the principle of what AGMA is trying to achieve and the TIF proposals contain the right mix of policy measures. However, there are issues of concern that must be addressed before business will be fully behind the package."
The CBI consulted members through telephone and internet polling. Almost 60 per cent of respondents had premises in one or more Greater Manchester boroughs.
Click here for an interactive timeline on the road charging proposal.
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NS (14/10/2008 at 07:27)
In other words, "CBI says AGMA plan needs to be improved" would be a more accurate headline.
You can't back something that you say isn't good enough.
better off red (14/10/2008 at 07:48)
Trumpetman21 (14/10/2008 at 08:45)
It's on the front cover of this week's Crains you know....
Trumpetman21 (14/10/2008 at 08:45)
Sir Reginald Ringpull, A-u-L, Lancashire (14/10/2008 at 08:57)
(From Crains Manchster)
"Don't copy us on c-charge, says Stockholm Chamber
5:00 a.m., Mon - A congestion charging scheme being used as a model for Greater Manchester is in difficulties just two years after being introduced.
Jay B, oldham (14/10/2008 at 09:03)
so if we do who's going to pay back the loan?
answers on a postcard please!
if the pro lot answered this it would make it so much clearer!
ruth davis, Salford (14/10/2008 at 09:10)
Trumpetman21 (14/10/2008 at 09:28)
They will hoover out the contents of your wallet one way or the other - after all, we've got to find the near £100 BILLION that has just been donated to failed & failing banks somehow and who better to supply the readies than the ever-suffering proletariat?
AngusDangus (14/10/2008 at 09:33)
Professor Bob (14/10/2008 at 09:37)
citycentre, manchester (14/10/2008 at 09:58)
yes you can, its easy enough to say well its not perfect but on balance we can still support it
i imagine we all do it every 5 years, no one party will match our beliefs on every issue, we pick the closest overall
better off red; if they are on the bus, tram etc they pay fares
"The CBI is Government run ", yes of course it is; keep taking th tablets
Professor Bob
the MEN actually says "55.5 per cent backed the proposal" so the CBI had decided to endorse the scheme with reservations
maybe if you read the small words as well as the big ones you will have a better understanding
Polky (14/10/2008 at 10:01)
If only 60% are in Manchester, then you can assume that 40% are in favour because it will give them an edge by NOT being penalised by a charging scheme on their own doorstep.
£2530 to drive to work? I'd be better on the DOLE!!! - Paul Teeque (14/10/2008 at 10:03)
David Goddard brands the congestion charge to be full of LIES!
interestingly enough any anti concharge articles don't appear on the MEN group of websites, otherwise i'd post a link :- )
Try and pick a copy up from last wednesday.
£2530 to drive to work? I'd be better on the DOLE!!! - Paul Teeque (14/10/2008 at 10:04)
It's on the front cover of this week's Crains you know....
Trumpetman21, "
quite concerning how biased these stories are becoming
keyjockey, Manchester (14/10/2008 at 10:13)
jongreg, irlam (14/10/2008 at 11:27)
Where is the NO coverage??
I thought that this was supposed to be a fair debate!!
Uncle Buck, City of Manchester (not Trafford) (14/10/2008 at 11:37)
Quite the reverse, I expect, as many people who would perhaps have previously crossed Manchester will circumnavigate using the M60!
manxmike (14/10/2008 at 11:51)
curiousyellow, Rusholme (14/10/2008 at 11:53)
We're not ALL idiots!!
Man made Climate Change is NONSENSE, Cheadle Hulme (14/10/2008 at 11:56)
Penfold,stuck in a postbox in Blackley (14/10/2008 at 12:00)
1)i have seen / heard nothing opposing this charge.all publicity is for it.
2)why should people have to pay another £1200.00 just to get to work
3)i presume all councillors,town hall workers and mp's will be exempt from this charge.
4)i dont believe all the monies raised from this charge will be applied 100% to improving transport.
5)its just anothe way of taxing people
Kiwi-blue, Christchurch NZ (14/10/2008 at 12:02)
d1v1s1onby0, Wigan (14/10/2008 at 12:06)
"
They shouldn't worry - the zone will very quickly be expanded to cover this.
Laura Norder, Didsbury (14/10/2008 at 12:29)
... oh, the irony.
Priceless!
Mr Angry, Bury (14/10/2008 at 12:42)
The pro Europe campaign was slick and extensively publicised as it was what the political/business establishment wanted whereas the anti campaign was marginalised and made to look like extermist nutters on the left and right fringes