88% Want Congestion Charge Referendum

2.40.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jun 2008

Manchester Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Simon Ashley is Campaigning for a Referendum on the Proposed Congestion Charge

A recent Manchester Evening News (MEN) poll has stated that 88% of respondents supported a Greater Manchester-wide referendum before the introducing a Congestion Charge. Manchester Liberal Democrats have welcomed the widespread support for a referendum.

Manchester Lib Dem Leader Councillor Simon Ashley said:

"Manchester Lib Dems have been calling for a referendum for over a year now. In this MEN survey, 88% of people support Manchester Liberal Democrats' policy in favour of a referendum. Greater Manchester's ten Councils have a unique opportunity to allow local people the final say over a decision that will affect their lives. It will enable a proper debate about the issues and details of the package."

Cllr Ashley added:

"There are only three reasons why decision makers would want to avoid a referendum. Either they think they will lose, or they think that local people won't understand the issues, or they don't want to relinquish the power to make the decision. I reject all three of these reasons. It's time to let the people decide."

Ends

Note to Editors:

Throughout the "TiF" bid process, Manchester Liberal Democrats have consistently argued in favour of a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on the issue.

A referendum question might be as follows (Question Six on the opinion polling being used in July 2007 by the authorities):

"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?"