NEW METROLINK LINES NOT YET 'BACK ON TRACK'

12.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Feb 2005

Government challenged to make clear public commitment to Metrolink Phase 3

Congestion charges idea dropped

The massive public campaign to put the Metrolink extensions 'back on track' is not yet won,Councillor Richard Knowles told Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's meeting on Friday 4th February.  Only round one was won last December in persuading the Government to reinstate the £520 million funding package they had withdrawn in July 2004. However, this does not give Metrolink Phase 3 the go-ahead. Instead the Government has asked Greater Manchester for an undefined 'bold, integrated package of proposals to tackle congestion and encourage modal shift from cars'. At the same time the Government cancelled the existing procurement process for the Metrolink extensions. Councillor Knowles also reiterated Liberal Democrats total opposition to the Government's idea of introducing congestion charges in Greater Manchester to help pay for Metrolink extensions. He was pleased that opposition to congestion charges was shared by the other parties on GMPTA and the idea was being dropped.

 Councillor Knowles called on the Government to give a clear public commitment before the General Election that the £520 million funding package can all be spent on Metrolink.

 He told GMPTA's meeting "Private briefings giving assurances that the £520 million can be spent on Metrolink are not good enough. They need to be reiterated in a clear, unequivocal public statement.  By cancelling the Metrolink procurement process, the Government has put back the go-ahead for Metrolink extensions to Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton and Manchester Airport by at least the18 months to 2 years a new procurement process would take. "

Councillor Knowles welcomed the immediate bid to spend £102 million on upgrading Metrolink lines to Bury and Altrincham and buying extra trams and gave Liberal Democrat support to the bid to the Government's Transport Infrastructure Fund for additional Metrolink Funding.

For further information contact Councillor Richard Knowles, Opposition & Liberal Democrat Leader GMPTA

Tel. 01457 876701