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Bid to change C-charge map thrown out

Chris Jones
31/ 7/2008

AMBITIOUS proposals to radically alter the congestion charge have been thrown out by ruling politicians.

Labour councillors pencilled a motion calling for Rochdale Council to reject the M60 as the outward barrier of a pay-as-you-drive scheme, and instead to look into the feasibility of a single zone close to the city centre.

But the ruling Lib Dem party rejected proposals to alter principle of a two-ring charging zone under the Transport Innovation Fund bid to invest £2.8bn in public transport in return for setting up a toll-tax.

Speaking at last week's full council meeting where the motion was proposed, Acting Council Leader, councillor Irene Davidson said: "This motion was disappointing and I am afraid a complete dereliction of duty as it was poorly researched, poorly presented and poorly defended. The gulf between the local Labour Party and their colleagues in Greater Manchester is getting bigger by the day."

Middleton Township chairman, councillor Peter Williams, reiterated his stance against the introduction of a pay-as-you-drive scheme.

He said: "This bid offers nothing to the people of Heywood and Middleton. Where is the metrolink to Middleton? Everything to gain from is in Rochdale."

"Councillor Taylor and the Lib Dems are taking more positions on congestion charge than there are in the Karma Sutra."

A second, Conservative-backed motion, calling for the council to note its concern to the potential impact of congestion charging on businesses, workers and residents was also rejected.