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C-charge does not make sense, say opponents

23/05/2008

Opponents of the Manchester congestion charge have said the scheme would put the city-region at a "serious disadvantage".

Andrew Simpson, chairman of a private sector lobbying group known as the Greater Manchester Momentum Group, was speaking after Norwich county council decided to scrap road pricing plans.

Norfolk chiefs carried out a 12-month study that concluded a road toll would not be the best way to tackle congestion.

Mr Simpson told Crain's Manchester Business magazine: "We believe the proposed congestion charging scheme - the largest in the world - would put the region at a serious disadvantage, making it a more expensive place to work and live.

"Charging people £100 a month to drive to work just doesn't make sense when there are alternatives, particularly in the current climate. This news simply reinforces our position."

A recent report into congestion revealed that Manchester is one of Europe's slowest-moving cities, with traffic moving at an average of 17 mph.

According to Keepmoving.co.uk, Manchester is the second-worst city in the UK for traffic flow after London and the fourth-worst in Europe.