C-charge is ‘good for your health’

THE proposed congestion charge is good for your health with an estimated 135 lives saved if the scheme is introduced.

The figures, from the Greater Manchester NHS Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) working group, claim deaths could be avoided following improvements to public transport.

Other health benefits helping to prolong lives include reduced pollution, fewer road traffic accidents and increased levels of walking and cycling.

The findings, presented at yesterday’s Oldham Primary Care Trust (PCT) board meeting, are from the TIF working group which was established to investigate how the charge would affect the NHS.

The congestion charge would see rush-hour motorists paying to enter and exit Manchester during the week.

It is part of a £3billion TIF bid which would improve public transport before the charge was introduced. In January, Oldham Primary Care Trust strongly supported the congestion charge and linked investment in public transport and cycling.

Yesterday, board members formally supported the TIF bid as long as it did not increase health inequalities.

Chairman Riaz Ahmad (pictured left) said it was important to make sure residents were not discouraged from accessing health services because of the charges.

He added: “That is the last thing we want, people being discouraged from crossing over the line.”

Sue Howard, non-executive director, said: “With regards to the exemptions, is there a place for them not just for patients and visitors, but low income families.”

Gail Richards, chief executive (pictured above), said: “What has been recognised is about health facilities.

“It is about enabling access to a wide range of health facilities and having the improved transport infrastructure to access health care.”