Firms won’t give way on C-charge

SMALL businesses have voiced their opposition to the controversial Manchester congestion charge.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) told Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein it will not compromise on its complete opposition to the scheme.

The group is the UK’s largest business organisation — representing more than 21,000 businesses employing over 210,000 staff.

FSB North-West policy chairman Holly Bonfield said 96 per cent of its membership opposed any kind of road pricing.

Members firmly believe the congestion charge will only add to their costs without any real benefits, she added.

“I am alarmed at the one dimensional approach. Yes — we need a better transport system, but not at the expense of penalising the region’s economy. The FSB will be advising its members to vote against congestion charging in the referendum and it encourages other businesses and residents to do likewise.”

The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) will see up to £3billion spent on major improvements in public transport, including trams coming though Oldham town centre. But it will be partly paid for by the congestion charge.

Oldhamers can find out more in a series of exhibitions, as part of the 14-week period of consultation, at the Market Place on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

A TIF spokesman said: “We hope as many people as possible will visit and give us the opportunity to answer their questions.”

A full report on the consultation findings will be published after it is complete and made available at libraries and online at www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk