Congestion charge show on the road

OLDHAM debated the congestion charge on Friday — and the majority of speakers were decidedly cool on the scheme.

Oldham members of Greater Manchester Chamber heard arguments from Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), who are proposing and implementing the scheme, and two lobby groups: City United, formed only five weeks ago but already with 75 member companies, in favour; and Greater Manchester Momentum Group, a group against the charges.

Oldham local president Paul Roberts told the meeting of around 30 people in Hathershaw that the chamber had yet to take a view of the proposals.

David Newton, speaking for GMPTE, said Oldham would benefit from nearly £3 billion of government investment into the public transport infrastructure — but only if a congestion charge was introduced to cover the shortfall of funding needing to extend Metrolink into Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton, Manchester International Airport and, ultimately, the Trafford Centre.

“Congestion is a major problem and, if not tackled, is likely to cost the city region around 30,000 new jobs which will not come here,” he told the chamber. And he added: “Doing nothing is not an option.”

He outlined a series of measures, including bus lanes, improved rail links, stations and rolling stock, park and ride schemes and new buses which would lead to totally integrated public transport system for the whole of the Greater Manchester area which, he believed, would rival anything in Europe.

But three speakers from businesses in Oldham spoke of costs that would be added to their businesses.

Proposals as they stand, which would not be introduced until 2013 at the earliest, would see charges of £2 and £1 introduced for two rings — an outer area roughly following the M60 and an inner ring around the Manchester city centre.

GMPTE is holding exhibitions in Oldham to explain the plans. These are at Uppermill bus terminus on Friday August 6, Oldham market place on Saturday August 16 and Sunday August 17 and Shaw market place on Tuesday September 16.