Referendum on congestion charge

12 April 2012

A referendum on a congestion charge in Greater Manchester is to go ahead after "sweetners" were approved at a crucial meeting.

The changes have been made following a public consultation on the plans to charge motorists to drive into the city from 2013, as part of Britain's biggest congestion charging zone.

A 'Yes' vote in the referendum would attract up to £3 billion of public money through central government for improvements to local transport.

Anecdotal evidence suggests most people are against the charge despite the promised investment.

Leaders of the region's 10 councils met as the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) approved changes to the peak-hour, weekday charge.

The concessions come ahead of a massive referendum to be held in December.

Changes to the rubber-stamped bid include a cut from £10 to £5 of the maximum daily charge for regular uses, extra school buses, 30,000 extra tram capacity for passengers, a 20% discount on public transport for those on the minimum wage and HGVs being excluded from the charge for the first year.

Of the 10 councils, Tory-run Trafford and Bury and Lib-Dem controlled Stockport are against the proposals.

AGMA have agreed under their constitutional rules, there will have to be a majority of voters in favour in at least seven council areas for the deal to go ahead. However, the result is not legally binding on the councils.

Around 1.9 million people on the electoral roll in the area will be eligible to vote. Ballot papers for the all-postal referendum will be sent out by November 28 and must be returned by 10pm on December 11. The result will be announced in Manchester the day after.

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