D-day for C-charge

Voters only have until tomorrow to decide which way to go...WILL voters give the green light for a congestion charge in Greater Manchester? That question will be answered on Friday when the results of the historic ballot on the region’s Transport Innovation Fund proposals are announced. The package would see approximately £2.8bn of public transport improvements — but motorists would have to pay up to £5-a-day on weekdays to drive in and out of Manchester at peak times.

Reporter Karen Doherty spoke to shoppers at Tommyfield Market Hall to see which way they see the vote going . . .

Andrew Woodhead (34), from Hathershaw, has voted no.

He said: “Although I like the idea of improving public transport, which is what I do use, I can’t see it happening. I don’t think the proposals go far enough.

“I voted no because because I think charging people to drive into the city centre is a bit cheeky.”

Carl and Helen Turner, from Oldham, are also firmly in the ‘no’ camp — but are not voting.

Helen (22) explained: “I haven’t voted because we do not have a car but I don’t agree with it. I don’t think you should have to pay a congestion charge.”

Carl (24) added: “I use public transport but I have seen the congestion charge in London. It doesn’t work there and I don’t think it is going to work here.”

Denis (79) and Brenda (76) Bensted, from Grasscroft, have voted ‘yes’ to the proposals.
Denis said: “I think it will improve the area by keeping cars off the road. And the bus service in Saddleworth certainly needs improving.

“It will be alright when they get the congestion charge up and running — providing they don’t start putting the charges up after a couple of years!”

His wife added: “It will be a long time before it comes in. We are getting older now, we just thought it’s for the future.”

Wendy Clarke (24), from Shaw, is another non-voter and explained: “If I was a driver, I would definitely vote no.”

Jamie Burgess (24) runs a pub with his uncle.

He said: “I voted ‘no’. Drivers pay their road tax so they don’t want to get stung with a congestion charge on top.

“We run a business and it is going to cost us a fortune. We have contracts in Manchester and we get our deliveries from Manchester. Obviously if they have to start paying a congestion charge, the prices will go up again.

“I can’t see it making a difference to public transport. Drivers will still want to use their cars.”

Alan and Sylvia Hartley, both 71, from Chadderton, live near the outer congestion charge ring. Sylvia said: “If we want to turn down towards Manchester we are instantly into the congestion charging zone.

“Our daughter works in Manchester. She is on her own, with a mortgage to pay. She just can’t afford the added costs. She can’t get to work without her car, it is about three buses.

Her husband added: “It is a big fiddle. If I shop at Housing Units, forget something and have to go back at 4.30pm I will have to pay the congestion charge. It is plain silly.”

David Grimes (53), from Greenacres, has voted ‘yes’.

He said: “I haven’t got a car and I hope the bus fares will be cheaper. Public transport is not too bad but sometimes the buses don’t turn up. I hope it will mean a big improvement.”

Another ‘yes’ voter is Harold Mills (60), from Middleton.

He said: “Better public transport would be much better for me. I am hoping for a big improvement.”