Decision day for Manchester congestion charge
Date: 09/06/2008 12:00:00
Officials could give the thumbs up on Monday to the first city congestion charge to appear outside of London.
Critics of the planned Greater Manchester scheme called the idea another part of a "war on drivers".
The government has previously invited local councils to bid for funding to introduce regional congestion
charging in an effort to cut traffic jams.
But drivers' groups have criticised the move, saying it will hit the pockets of drivers already battling
rising fuel costs.
Association of British Drivers chairman Brian Gregory said it was "beyond belief" that the government
was considering the scheme amid rising fuel and road tax costs.
Commercial drivers who operate in Manchester could be hit hard by the charge, which would come alongside
rising road taxes, regular servicing and
van insurance costs.
Plans for the Manchester scheme were first unveiled last year, prompting campaigners to organise a petition
against the move.