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Manchester looks abroad for road toll success story

14/09/2007

As Manchester prepares for a response from the government regarding the congestion charge bid, the city has been looking to northern Europe for more ideas.

Manchester transport chiefs have learned that the Swedish city of Stockholm first improved public transport before levying a £4.50 for vehicles to drive in and out of the city during business hours.

As well as persuading more people to switch to public transport, the city also saw reduced congestion and better air quality.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: "Statistics show that in Stockholm there has been a significant reduction in congestion of about 20 per cent.

"This is good for businesses - travel is faster so they save time and money. It is good for the travelling public, who have better journeys."

Manchester is the only city-region to have submitted a bid to the transport innovation fund (Tif).

If successful, it means £1.2 billion will be granted by the government, plus a further £1.8 billion in loans to be repaid with congestion charge revenues.