C-charge watchdog to keep an eye on prices

OLDHAM is to appoint a road pricing watchdog to protect drivers against unfair rises in the congestion charge.

If Greater Manchester accepts the idea of charging it will get more than £3bn to spend on public transport, including bringing Metrolink trams to Oldham.

Now, those planning the scheme have revealed that an independent regulator will be appointed to make sure any future changes to the scheme, particularly costs, are independently and publicly scrutinised and are reasonable and acceptable to the public and businesses.

Unlike London, where prices have been allowed to rise significantly and extra zones bolted on, any proposed changes in Greater Manchester would be fully scrutinised and must pass three tests set by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

The tests state that any changes must be acceptable to the public and business community, must be focused on tackling congestion and must promote economic growth and social inclusion.

Revenue raised from the charge will be spent in improving public transport and tackling congestion.

Lord Peter Smith, the leader of AGMA, said: “I want to put to rest the point raised by some that we will increase the charge as soon as we are able.

“We have made clear that the maximum daily charge if you cross both rings on the way in and out, at peak times only, will be no more than £6 in 2013 prices. The average amount paid for those car users who don’t wish to take advantage of an improved public transportation on offer will also be no more than £3.50 at 2013 prices when it will be introduced.

“The appointment of an independent regulator will ensure that charging proposals beyond 2013 will be scrutinised to ensure they are reasonable and are related to congestion not the creation of a cash cow where revenue can be siphoned off to spend on anything other than public transport improvements.”

The regulator, who would be full-time, will be appointed by elected members and business representatives before the proposed introduction of the charge in 2013.

Lord Smith, added: “Proposals are designed to tackle congestion — and we believe they will do this for many years to come.”