Jams leave drivers late for work

MORE than seven out of 10 Oldham drivers spend at least 10 minutes a day in traffic jams, a new survey reveals.

And more than half of them are late for work at least once a fortnight, the research for the proposers of the area’s congestion charge scheme claims.

Lord Peter Smith, Wigan Council’s leader and chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said: “The fact that so many people spend time stuck in traffic jams indicates congestion is an issue for the city.

“Businesses can only benefit if all the people who are arriving late for work each week as a result of congestion get there on time.”

The online survey of 2,439 people by onepoll.com also revealed that more than 65 per cent of people believe public transport does not offer a comparable alternative to the car and believe that services are slow, unreliable and expensive.

But if they were improved, more than half would choose to travel on public transport and just 41 per cent would stick with their car.

Lord Smith said: “The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) investment of up to £3 billion will bring that about through the introduction of a far more integrated network of trams, trains and buses and a smart travelcard allowing people to get around faster and more efficiently.”

TIF will also see new Metrolink lines running to Oldham and Rochdale town centres.

The people of Greater Manchester will vote on the proposals in a referendum on December 11.