C-charge campaigners take swipe at anti brigade

THE £3billion TIF referendum question has been defended as campaigners battle to persuade voters.

The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) will bring a public transport revolution, including trams through the centre of Oldham and more regular buses, but will mean a controversial congestion charge at peak times in and out of Manchester.

The Yes Campaign has slammed attempts by No campaigners to scrap December’s referendum.

In the House of Commons, Blackley MP Graham Stringer said the question — “Do you agree with the Transport Innovation Fund proposals?”— did not mention the congestion charge and was unfair and biased.

He called on the Prime Minister to cancel the referendum and congestion charge and bring forward investment to the tram system instead.

But Gordon Brown said it had been approved “legally”.

A Yes Campaign spokesman said: “It’s clear that opponents have given up any hope of convincing the people of Greater Manchester of their arguments, and are instead attempting to sabotage the referendum.

“It is bizarre that having demanded a vote on the proposals they are now spinning around trying to prevent the voters having their say on this vital issue.

“Instead of obsessing about questions and wording, why don’t they engage in the substance of the issue; £3 billion of desperately needed investment in the region’s public transport network and economy.”

Returning officer Sir Neil McIntosh said an accompanying leaflet to the postal vote will outline the full details of the transport plans, including the road charge.