Manchester Lib Dems Call for Road Pricing Referendum

1.54.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 13th Aug 2007

Manchester Liberal Democrats are supporting Greater Manchester's funding bid for Government money to improve public transport but want to see a Greater Manchester-wide referendum to decide whether congestion charging is introduced, says Manchester Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Simon Ashley.

Cllr Ashley said:

"It is only right that we see what transport improvement money is on the table from Government therefore Manchester Lib Dems support the funding bid being submitted. However, the package of measures, including the public transport improvements and congestion charging, need to be put to the people of Greater Manchester in a referendum. We should let the people decide."

Cllr Ashley added:

"Labour's Council Leader Richard Leese is wrong to say that the people of Greater Manchester cannot vote on this because the wording of the question would be difficult or complicated. In fact, we could use the wording used in the opinion poll conducted for the authorities, which is being used for justification of the bid itself."

Ends.

Question Six on the opinion polling being used in July 2007 by the authorities asks:

Would you agree or disagree with the principle of a combined package of £3 billion improvements in transport in Greater Manchester that also included greater local control over buses and rail and the introduction of congestion charging for vehicles using the busiest roads at peak times on weekdays?