Last Chance for Congestion Charge Referendum

11.25.44am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Apr 2008

May's local elections will be the last chance for local people to demand a referendum on the introduction of a congestion charge. Liberal Democrats in Manchester want to see public transport improvements and have supported the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid going in, but want to see a Greater Manchester-wide referendum before a congestion charge is introduced.

Cllr Simon Ashley, Manchester Lib Dem Leader, said today:

"Decisions about the Congestion Charge will be made over the summer. Manchester Lib Dems have consistently argues for a referendum to take place before any congestion charge is introduced."

"The difference between Labour and the Liberal Democrats in Manchester is that Labour want to impose a congestion charge without meaningful consultations, whereas we want local people to have the final say in a referendum. It is clear that in two years time when Manchester votes again, it will be too late to have a referendum."

Cllr Ashley concluded:

"Every vote for the Liberal Democrats in Manchester in May is a vote for a referendum. Every vote for Labour is a vote for a congestion charge."

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