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Congestion charge a "cast iron loser", say opponents

07/05/2008

Opponents to the Manchester congestion charge have described the scheme as a "cast iron loser".

Campaign group Manchester Against Road Tolls (Mart) is celebrating the fact that councillor Roger Jones, the chief proponent of the road toll, lost his Irlam seat at last week's local elections.

He was beaten by a Community Action Party candidate, who was backed by Mart.

Turnout at the election was 38.4 per cent, compared with 32.08 per cent in 2004 when Mr Jones last won the seat.

Mart spokesman Sean Corker said: "When voters are presented with both sides of the argument they are resolutely against the scheme.

"Transport minister Ruth Kelly could well have to decide between approving the Manchester bid and keeping her Bolton West seat at the next election."

Opponents to the congestion charge argue that it is unfair on low earners and will harm the city-region's economy.

But Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester city council, has repeatedly said that unless congestion is tackled, the economy will suffer and job creation will decline.