Congestion Charge – What next
Well, the people of Greater Manchester have spoken and the other whelming
verdict was that the congestion charge scheme was a no go.
However that been the decision, what happens next appears to be something
that no one has planned for with apparently the only plan from AGMA
(association of Greater Manchester Authorities) been for the referendum to
pass and for TIF (Transport Innovation Fund) bid to go forward as outlined
in the run up to the referendum.
I hope that this is not the case and consideration was been given to
alternatives if the referendum didn't pass, but if that isn't the case,
there is a strong need for all sides and in particular the various MP's on
either side of the congestion charge debate to get working on getting an
alternative plans put together and the investment put back in place through
some alternative means, because if government through the department of
transport can afford to be putting £5.6 billion into Crossrail,
surely an alternative can be worked out for the £3 billion of planned
investment that would have
come if the proposals would have been approved.