Less than a third of people in Greater Manchester support a congestion charge in their city, it has emerged. An independent survey has found that 62% of people in Manchester are against the charge and 86% want a referendum, the BBC reports.
The Government has approved a two-ring system in the city charging people to enter at peak times. The pay-off is that the Government is promising to invest in public transport.
However the poll of 1,000 people has shown the scheme is deeply unpopular and residents believe they have not been consulted enough. One person surveyed said: ‘It is a big decision on an important issue for the city and everyone should have a say.’
The Conservatives have accused ministers of ‘bullying’ people into accepting the scheme, which will be the second congestion zone outside London. Theresa Villiers, shadow transport secretary, has now called for a referendum on the proposals.
A congestion charge in Manchester could pave the way for other UK cities to apply for their own charging system. The two rings around Manchester would be at the M60 and close to the city centre. The Government argues that such a scheme would cut pollution and congestion.
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