Last night I attended a debate hosted by the South Manchester Reporter on the proposed congestion charge. As we have seen consistently since these proposals have been on the table, there were heated views on both sides of the argument. Most people there (both before and after the debate had finished) were against the charge. I was one of those people and I urge all voters to use their vote to scupper this bureaucratic plan for more taxation on the people of Greater Manchester.
I urge you to vote NO for the following reasons:
It could cost you up to £100 every month or £1,200 every year – just to drive to work.
Too big – Current proposals would create the world’s largest congestion charging zone – the area within the M60 motorway – that’s 80sq miles compare to the original London zone of 8sq miles.
Not effective – Over sich a large are, the promised improvements will not make public transport a practical, cheap, door-to-door alternative to the car for most of us.
Knock on costs for all of us - Even if you don’t commute by car, additional costs to business will be passed on through shops, pubs and other outlets.
Not the only solution – There are many unexplored alternatives to reduce congestion and fund transport improvemens that would not require a charge, we must explore them fully.
Good to see another opponent to the silly congestion charge. For your information I’ve been working on a solution that you might like to read about: Free-Wheels.biz – to encourage motorbikes as an effective simple short-term solution to congestion and pollution until other better solutions are produced.
The Manchester congestion charge No vote announced today is a great opportunity for Manchester to use the momentum generated to push for the real improvements from the transport providers that they should have been delivering already.
Just like the Manchester bombing, those who see this as a negative event should use their energy to press for a positive outcome.