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DfT figures support c-charge, say businesses

01/08/2008

Traffic figures released by the department for transport (DfT) prove why a congestion charge is necessary in Greater Manchester, it has been claimed.

An organisation of companies which support the £2.7 billion Transport Innovation Fund bid says it is even more necessary to introduce a two-tier zone now that figures show traffic speeds during the morning rush hour average 13 mph.

This is the slowest average speed in the country, points out United City, which believes that public transport needs major investment to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

Ken Knott, founder member of United City, told Crain's Manchester Business magazine that transport investment and a congestion charge are the only ways to improve traffic conditions.

The DfT's figures echo a similar study undertaken by Keepmoving.co.uk last year that showed Manchester is one of the slowest-moving cities in Europe.

According to the research, Manchester is the second-worst city in the UK for traffic flow after London.