Manchester - Congestion Charge Update

The plan to introduce charging is part of a major drive to tackle rising congestion in Manchester. Transport chiefs have come up with a draft plan which, if accepted by the Government, could bring in a package of investment in public transport worth £3 billion - this would comprise a £1.2bn grant and the right to borrow a further £1.8bn.

This Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) would more than cover the estimated £520m cost of the planned Metrolink extensions. Other proposals include better rail links, more frequent bus services, Park and Ride and yellow school bus schemes.

Metrolink: will expansion finally go ahead?

Yet many businesses and individuals have come out strongly against road pricing. The campaign group Manchester Against Road Tolls (MART) has branded the public consultation a 'sham', saying it will force low-paid drivers off the road. Critics also argue that, once in place, charges could be increased without consultation.

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FAQs: Why is it happening?

Transport officials argue that if left unchecked, congestion in Greater Manchester will not only result in greater pollution, poor air quality and higher carbon emissions but will also damage the local economy. They argue that by encouraging people to switch to public transport - or adjusting the time that they travel - they will keep the city moving. And those who decide to pay will benefit from fewer traffic jams.

Next stop: yellow school buses?

How would it work?

Unlike the London all-day congestion charging scheme, The Manchester plan is to target motorists on the busiest routes at peak times during weekdays. It would involve setting up TWO rings of charging points around the city centre. You would only be charged if your journey takes you across one of the charging points. If you cross a charging ring outside the pricing times, you won't be charged. (see Pricing Details),

How much will I have to pay?

Charges would vary on time of day, length of route, where you start and where you finish. Current estimates put the cost to a commuter who travels at peak times from outside the M60 into the city centre and back, at no more than £5 a day.

How would payments be made?

Vehicles will be fitted with a special tag which will be read automatically. Regular users would register to a franchised agent and payment would be debited as the car passes  an active charging point. The toll reader would be placed inside the car's windscreen and would have a slot for a smart card (much like London's Oyster card). For occasional users, drivers will be able to pre-pay before passing active charging points.

What happens if you don't register?

Cars that do not pay the charge or have a valid tag will be captured by the cameras and the registered vehicle owner will be responsible for paying the charge, an administration fee plus a fine. The fine has not yet been determined.

What would the revenue be used for?

Part of the funding conditions are that money would be used to re-invest into public transport schemes and to pay for operating costs.

Who will be exempt?

Hackney cabs - or black taxis - will be exempt. But not private hire vehicles. Reduced rates for motorcycles, low emission vehicles and vulnerable people are being considered.

What about consultation?

AGMA say they won't go ahead unless they've got the support of the public and business community. And two of the ten councils (Trafford & Stockport) have already come out against the proposal. Yet so far, public opinion has been based on a phone poll of just 5,000 residents and a 1,000 businesses. A leaflet including details of the proposed congestion charge, has also been sent to every single house in Greater Manchester.

Who makes the final decision?

The ten local authorities in Greater Manchester will vote on the scheme on Friday 27 July. If agreed, the TIF bid would then be considered by the Government. It's believed that if a majority of councils (six out of 10) give their backing, the bid WILL be submitted to ministers. If it gets Government approval, it could be introduced by late 2012.