Are you one of the many who are confused by the Congestion Charging issue? To be fair, I think the vast majority of us are. 

We all received information earlier in the year. We know there will be a referendum in December. Those putting forward this scheme claim there will be no rise in costs and jobs won’t be affected. I am very sceptical about such blanket claims that seem hard to understand when we are in such economic turmoil. In fact, I am very sceptical about the whole matter. I do think, however, everyone should find out as much as possible and make sure you vote! It’s an all postal vote so post well in advance of 11th December.

On the 20th October the proposed wording for the question came out. Whether the Congestion Charge will get the go ahead from local people will be based on YOUR answer to the following: ‘DO YOU AGREE WITH THE TRANSPORT INNOVATION FUND PROPOSALS?’ What sort of a question is that?

It seems to me the only beneficiary of the Manchester Congestion Charge will be the City of Manchester. They will get the bulk of investment in the transport system. Under the proposals for the charge – which is expected to cost at least £318m to set up – motorists would have to pay to cross the M60 and a second ring around the city centre at peak times. It would cost £5 a day (2007 prices) or more than £1200 a year.

You’ll have seen the newspaper adverts of people saying: ‘The Congestion Charge won’t affect me’ giving the reason they work in city centre stores, can work from home, can travel at other times. I would disagree and say it will affect the vast majority of us. I work at Saint Mary’s hospital so how could I work from home or travel at other times? The answer is I couldn’t.  Many of our public service employees such as doctors, nurses, policemen, firemen, and teachers will be badly affected financially. Is this fair? It wouldn’t be practical for them to travel by public transport however much money is thrown at it. The only apparent benefit to Stockport residents seems to be the addition of ONE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS.

For me to travel by public transport from Heaton Moor to Saint Mary’s Hospital takes approximately 1hr 25 minutes, and I don’t see how one yellow school bus would help me with my travelling arrangements!

I will definitely be voting ‘NO’ to Congestion Charging, I hope you will too.

Cllr Jackie Jones
Heatons North

This article, by Cllr Jackie Jones, was first published by the Stockport Express 29/10/08.