12 December 2008
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

Manchester votes ‘no’ to a congestion charge


LocalGov reporters

Residents in Greater Manchester have given a resounding ‘no vote’ to plans for a congestion charging scheme.

A majority of voters in all of the region's boroughs voted against the plans, with 812,815 (79%) no votes and 218,860 (21%) in favour.

Over 1M people voted, representing a turnout of 53%, and the proposals were rejected in all boroughs invovled in the referendum.

Nearly 2M people were eligible to vote on whether to accept the charging as part of a £2.8bn package of investment in public transport.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: 'The Referendum has given a very clear outcome.   I'm sure the economic downturn, which is hitting everyone hard, has had a part to play.  Investment in public transport in Manchester will remain a priority for the City Council and our commitment to face up to the challenges going forward remains undiminished.'

Larger than the London scheme launched by the then Mayor Ken Livingstone in February 2003, now scaled down by new Mayor Boris Johnston, the Manchester proposal was more complicated using a system of two cordons and a tariff of charges related to time of travel.

Covering the 80 square mles essentially within the M60 orbital motorway, drivers would be charged heading into the city during the morning peak, and out of the city in the evening.

Both pro- and anti-charge camps launched huge publicity campaigns. In addition to websites and adverts in the media, residents have been handed flyers in the streets and bill-board posters plastered over the city have sought to sway opinion one way or the other.

However, a television advertisement funded by the Department for Transport and the passenger transport executive on the charge was deemed biased after it included footage of the pro charge Greater Manchester Future Transport website.



Your comments

Catalina. I am worn out by getting myself upset by people like you and them on the Manchester City Council most of whom are unelected, doing the governments underhand dirty work. Not to mention our wonderful Manchester Evening News that had been spinning stories from points of view of each side evenhandedly with about the same level of fairness as a one handed man.While we are in the mood lets tell Labour to take their annual bash elsewhere ther's less guarding at going on at Guantanamo Bay

Bill Dickson Director, Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 05:18 PM

I'd like to ask Catalina what obesity and cariovascular diseases have got to do with trams and buses? I agree with Sophie of Didsbury; these plans were majorly flawed and what they were offering wasn't worth the congestion charge. In fact to get from my home (within the inner zone)to my current place of work I would have had to drive out of the charging zone then back in. Madness. They can't even get the transport we've got now to run properly - why give them even more to mess up?

Ewan, Glad about the no vote, M14., Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 02:17 PM

The fact that the people of the Manchester area have voted No shows they will not let themselves be bullied into paying for something which should have been done years ago using the right source of funding. Daily peak traffic happens everywhere in the world and public transport suffers from it as well. Overcrowded trams,trains & buses would still be a feature even with the improvements. There is no need to be overdramatic regarding gridlocks and pounds. Get over yourself Catalina

Sophie, a very relieved resident of Manchester, Didsbury, Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 01:45 PM

How sad that Britain repetedly fails to create a sustainable economy, reducing dependance on fossil energies, obesity, cardiovascular diseases. Gridlocked Britain suffering from recession and electorate preferring to queue for road space rather than paying for it. Britain's are so attached to their pounds that decisions which they think might put their Pounds in danger can't pass any referendum. Brits prefer to go under. What a sad end for what was once a great nation.

Catalina Martinez, Head of Communication, IITM.info, Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 01:22 PM

as a resident in manchester city centre i am so proud of my city, we have stood together and for once got a result that show the city has spoken. over the years we have lost rights with parking and developments, enough is enough, its our city and not a business. the charge was just a cover for giving manchester a loan that would be repaid forever. well done manchester.

paul, cabin crew, manchester airport, Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 01:15 PM

What was the percentage for yes and no anyone? Was it a landslide? I sure hope so, we pay enough for motoring as it is! If anyone could tell me the answer I would appreciate it kellyjones99@hotmail.co.uk

jellie!!!, Added: Friday, 12 December 2008 12:56 PM



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