Brakes put on road toll plan

David Ottewell

January 11, 2005

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MANCHESTER politicians have vetoed any plans for congestion charging in the city.

The Manchester Evening News revealed yesterday that regional transport bosses planned to ask drivers what they thought of paying a toll on busy routes.

The move came after the government refused to fully fund the Metrolink plans for three new tram lines - leaving a gap of more than '300m.

Richard Leese, leader of Manchester city council, has weighed into the debate by saying congestion charging could be "extremely damaging" to the local economy.

Damaging

He said the council would block any moves to introduce tolls, saying charges should not be used to pay for a "Big Bang" expansion of tram routes.

"Improvements in public transport have to be in place first, and that means Metrolink up and running," he said. "Congestion charging, if introduced in a very localised way, could be extremely damaging - not just to Manchester but the whole of the north west."

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority said yesterday they planned to carry out a region-wide survey which could be used as a springboard for congestion charging.

Chairman Roger Jones stressed the move did not mean any decision had been taken to introduce tolls.

"We are not looking to introduce congestion charging but looking at the feasibility," he said.

London introduced a congestion charge in 2003. Motorists entering the city centre are charged '5 a day.

What do you think of congestion charges? Have your say.

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John Simms, London (11/01/2005 at 16:40)

The fumes and the pollution caused by cars etc is now having a devastating affect on everyone's health! The Congestion Charge in London has been a Breath of fresh air to everyone which include Motorists! The Congestion Charge maybe affecting some businesses but the polution is now at record levels and has to be taclkled before it's to late!

'ford prefect', manchester (12/01/2005 at 11:37)

Why are the Council ruling out congestion charging even before GMPTE have looked at all the options?

The Council's Labour Party's aim to be the ''greenest council in the land'' is just a joke if they're ruling out environmental measures straightaway with no consideration of the pros and cons.

Come the next local elections, such jesters will not get my vote.

Mercury, North Manchester (26/01/2007 at 09:11)

It can take me 1.5 hours to get to work in South Manhcester on a Metrolink Tram that is bursting full. With a 12 month old girl in nursery and working full time to make ends meet, a congestion charge in Manchester would mean that I would have to find another job north of the city centre.

When the M60 is already so busy it is almost unusable, and trams are full and lines sparse in my part of the city, how can the city seriously consider a congestion charge? It would ruin peoples lives in already deprived areas.

Good on you, local politicians: I'm glad someone is seeing sense!

PW, Manchester (26/01/2007 at 09:44)

A gap of Â£300m? Same-day news story about untaxed drivers costing Â£217m each year. Can't the authorities concentrate on that, rather than further fleece the honest majority? In any case, any proposed congestion charge will not hit the scallwags, as they'll be driving round with yours and my number plates. It's sort of heartening to hear a bit of common sense getting through though. People are naturally enraged because their budgets are tight as it is. Gas, electricity. mortgages, petrol prices etc. We just feel we can't pedal any harder, and everyone's saying "What's the use, I give up?"

PW, Manchester (26/01/2007 at 09:48)

Sorry MEN. Your story is wrong. Londoners pay Â£8 per day.

PW, Manchester (26/01/2007 at 09:56)

Despite my earlier posts, I have just noticed this story is 2 years old. All I can say is I hope the politicians in Manchester stick to these arguments.

Anthony, Accrington,Lancashire (26/01/2007 at 11:46)

Good! I hope other towns see sense and refuse it "doing nothing IS AN OPTION for commonsense!"

Black Sabbath (02/08/2007 at 15:03)

Just thought I'd bring this story to the top of the comments pile for people to read. It shows that we cannot trust any of these involved in this bid and we should not believe anything they have told us. We have gone from 'no charge' to this TiF bid very quickly, too quickly for my liking.

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