Congestion charge: ‘What’s in it for us?’
Date published: 13 October 2008
DEBATE hosts: (l-r) Councillor Jack Hulme; Sean Corker; Councillor Howard Sykes and Councillor Jim McMahon
RESIDENTS in Saddleworth gave a thumbs down to the Government’s proposed congestion charge — because they want more information.
Up to 60 people packed into the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph to learn more about the plan to make people pay to drive in and out of Manchester at peak times.
But most residents at the first big debate of the Congestion Charge Referendum Campaign spoke against it, while a small minority spoke in its favour.
Residents raised concerns that they will not benefit from the scheme, and said the money could be better spent on transport infrastructure in Saddleworth.
One said most traffic was generated during school term time and that it was less busy on the roads during holidays so there was no need for a congestion charge.
Another added: “People will stop going into Manchester if the congestion charge goes ahead, and the city will lose out.”
Others argued that they didn’t have accurate information about the plan before them.
The public quizzed leaders of the main political parties — Councillor Howard Sykes, (Lib-Dem) leader of Oldham Council, who spoke in favour of the charge, Councillor Jim McMahon, (Labour) and Tory Councillor Jack Hulme.
Sean Corker, from Manchester Against Road Toll, also answered questions.
Councillor Sykes said people in Saddleworth would benefit from the Government’s £3 billion plan to improve public transport.
He said: “We will get an improved yellow bus service, park-and-ride sites, increased frequency of buses, increase in peak hour trains in Greenfield and improvements to shelter in bad weather with security and information, so its a mixed package.”
“I would urge people to take part in the postal ballots and have their say.”
Mr Corker was clear in his message that Manchester did not need a congestion charge.
He said: “People should have the full facts about the congestion charge not just the pros but the cons as well.
“We will be getting £2.7 billion from the government but we will be paying two or three times back so we’re not getting anything from them.”
Conservative Councillor Hulme said: “We are the only party against the congestion charge although we are very much in favour of improving the transport infrastructure. Part of the £2.7 billion is going to Trafford and Manchester Airport, so does that affect us?
“We are loading ourselves in a tremendous amount of debt and what are we getting from it? A couple of yellow buses.
“It will cost motorists £1,200 a year to drive into Manchester during peak times if the congestion charge goes ahead.
“No one is looking at other ways of reducing traffic.”
