Chamber in middle lane on c-charge issue

THE congestion charge continues to cause controversy among the business community.

Having chaired a debate on the issue, I know first-hand how strongly people feel.

I think it is appropriate to explode a few myths about the Chamber and its position on this controversial issue. Firstly, the Chamber is not part of the council, GMPTE or Greater Manchester Future Transport.

We are a private sector membership organisation, not aligned to any political party. We are here to make sure that businesses of any size and sector throughout Greater Manchester have a voice in an increasingly challenging world. I feel this point is worth making, because of the number of people who seem to think we are in some way part of these public bodies.

Secondly, the Chamber has not allied itself with either United City or the Greater Manchester Momentum Group. What we have done, is to allow both these groups to put their case to our members at a series of meetings across Greater Manchester.

Representatives from GMPTE also attended these events to explain how the congestion charging scheme would work. Our members are split on this issue and it is only right that they get a chance to hear all sides.

Thirdly, the Chamber is now in the process of consulting our members to ascertain their views on the scheme.

We will then take a position based on the results of this consultation. Our aim over the last few weeks has been to make sure our members have as much information as possible so they can make an informed decision.

It is not the Chamber’s role to tell members what view they should take or to take a stand on their behalf without consulting them. What has become clear from our meetings is that many people are still to be convinced either way. Although there are two groups who are firmly pro and anti congestion charging, there seems to be a silent majority of businesses who have yet to speak.

They recognise that congestion is a problem and that public transport is inadequate.

The question for them is whether congestion charging is a price worth paying for better public transport. Once our consultation is complete, we will have a much clearer idea of what ordinary businesses think.

I urge all members to let us know their views so we can accurately gauge and represent the view of businesses on this most important of issues.