Manchester Lib Dems "not convinced" by Congestion Charge for Manchester

9.11.49pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Manchester Lib Dem Leader Councillor Simon Ashley said today: "Two things are clear about these Congestion Charge plans for Manchester. The first is that Council Leader Richard Leese, who promised the people of Manchester that charging would not happen, has broken his promise. The second is that many thousands of people who drive into Manchester to work are going to pay more." And he said that the Liberal Democrats "are not convinced" that the plans will be necessary and effective.

Cllr Ashley stated:

"The Liberal Democrats are not opposed to congestion charging in principle, but until we see the detailed plans we cannot tell whether the plans meet our 5 key tests."

These are:

1) The Congestion charge cannot put Manchester jobs at risk or the city at a competitive disadvantage to the rest of the region.

2) The plans need to be effective at reducing congestion where there is currently a problem.

3) The plans cannot start until there are improvements in public transport. That means Metrolink "Big Bang" finished and other transport powers like re-regulation of the buses.

4) Any money raised from the charge needs to be spent locally.

5) The plans need to be simple, transparent and easy to understand.

Cllr Ashley concluded:

"Only after measuring these proposals against our 5 key tests will the Lib Dems decide whether or not to support these proposals. So far, we are not convinced."

Ends....