Plans to introduce a congestion charge in the centre of Manchester have received only a lukewarm response from local motorists, with many expressing their staunch opposition to the proposals.
In a move that could significantly increase the attractiveness of coach hire among fans of city centre shopping, local authorities are keen to follow London‘s example and impose a daily charge on motorists entering into the designated zone.
However, according to research from Ipsos Mori, of the 81,000 people polled, some 25,813 were opposed to the plans, with just 14,675 expressing a positive response to them.
While the anti-congestion charge campaigners, led by the Stop the Charge coalition, have welcomed the findings, those in support of the initiative feel that the multi-billion pound scheme is still on track to be introduced within the next few years.
One spokesman for Stop the Charge told the Manchester Evening News: “The consultation shows those who know the roads best, drivers who cross the charging zones five days a week, say traffic is just not bad enough to warrant a congestion charge.”
Since its introduction in Central London, the congestion charge has been credited with freeing up the capital’s most famous thoroughfares for public transport and pedestrians, with many shoppers now relying on coach hire to bypass the charge and save money on their trips into the centre.