Road charging vote could scupper plans

Date published: 23/04/2008

Bolton Council is the latest authority to vote on whether to support plans to introduce congestion charging in Greater Manchester.

Three of the region's 10 authorities have already rejected the proposals, which could see motorists charged up to £5 to drive in and out of Manchester.

Under the terms of the bid there must be a two-thirds majority among the 10 councils for it to go ahead.

Councillors in Bolton will vote at a meeting tonight (Wednesday 23 April).

The road pricing scheme, proposed by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), involves two charging rings - one at the M60, the other close to Manchester city centre.

Drivers will pay a deposit for an electric tag, which will trigger charges on journeys into the city in the morning and evening rush periods.

If the plan goes ahead it will be offset by £3bn of public transport improvements, including a Metrolink expansion, partly funded by revenue from the charges.

Bury, Trafford and Stockport councils have already voted to oppose the bid.