Leech seeks protection for Manchester's transport money

2.56.07pm GMT Fri 31st Oct 2008

Manchester Withington's Liberal Democrat MP, John Leech, is demanding assurances that in the event of a 'no' vote in the forthcoming Greater Manchester congestion charge referendum, the city won't lose the money that it has been promised for public transport improvements.

The Government has pledged to invest up to £1.5 billion in Manchester's transport system if the public votes in favour of the scheme, but Mr Leech is concerned that the money could be lost if the vote goes against the congestion charge proposals. He has therefore contacted the new Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, seeking assurances that Greater Manchester transport chiefs would have the opportunity to come back with an improved scheme if the referendum delivers a no vote.

Mr Leech said:

'Having been at the forefront of the campaign to secure a referendum on the congestion charge, I was delighted when AGMA was forced to agree that it was the best course of action. But no-one has forgotten how Labour cancelled the Metrolink 'Big Bang' in 2004, and I want to make sure that this stripping of finance doesn't happen again if the public votes against the congestion charge in December'.

'It's vital that if this comes to pass, we have the opportunity to present an improved proposal that the public would find acceptable. So I am urging Geoff Hoon to ring fence the money for Manchester, whatever the outcome of the referendum'

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Notes to editors

1) John Leech is the Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Spokesman and a member of the Transport Select Committee

2) The congestion charge referendum will take place by postal ballot between 28th November and 11th December 2008, inclusive.