Manchester could soon have a congestion charge similar to London’s, the city’s head of transport has said.
Councillor Roger Jones, chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: “I’m continually being harassed by motorists telling me that they are in queues in the mornings.”
“Now we have got to do something about it.”
Mr Jones has applied to the government for funds to conduct a survey into what kind of public transport system would be best for Greater Manchester.
A planned expansion of the city’s Metrolink service was axed in 2004 when the government could not provide the £900m needed to complete the project.
However the government has since said £520m will be made available for transport improvements which could include Metrolink.
There are also government plans for a pilot “pay as you go” road charge project in a region or large conurbation in the next five years.
John McGoldrick, from the National Alliance Against Tolls, said a congestion charge would be a waste of public money.
“Despite the myths, the London congestion charge has had little effect on traffic but has hit shops and restaurants,” he said
“It would be a self-inflicted wound if Manchester were to adopt it,” he added.
References: EGi News 25/10/05
