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'There is a danger that the debate will become about just another tax on the motorist' - John Leech MP
July 7, 2008 9:00 AM
A full and unbiased consultation should precede a referendum, say Manchester Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, John Leech MP, has called for a 'clear and unbiased consultation' on the controversial congestion charging scheme which could be implemented in Manchester.
Speaking in Parliament on the issue, John observed that as the proposals stand, south Manchester residents do not have a clear indication of how the congestion charge would affect them and so cannot make an informed decision.
John Leech MP said, "My constituents in Chorlton, for instance, want to know where the boundaries will be and what impact the scheme will have before making a decision.
"One option is for the inner ring to bisect Wilbraham Road. Some residents may see being inside the inner ring as an advantage because they would not face a charge for driving into the city centre, but they might take the opposite view, because residents on the other side of Wilbraham Road might choose to park their cars inside the inner ring and cause parking chaos on what are already heavily congested streets."
Manchester Liberal Democrats were the first to call for a Greater Manchester wide referendum and John Leech has welcomed the Labour leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese's U-turn.
"When I carried out a survey in my constituency, slightly more respondents were in favour than were opposed to a proposal for a congestion charge featuring transport improvements. However, I am willing to accept that there will be differences from one constituency to the next, which is why I support a referendum."
To read the full debate, visit: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2008-07-01a.187.1&s=speaker%3A11707#g205.1
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