Greater Manchester Congestion Charge

Over Manchester Pride you were probably handed oodles of flyers and leaflets, and no doubt you got one from GMPTE - Greater Manchester's Public Transport Service - informing you of proposed changes to Manchester's transport network.

Due to Manchester's rapid economic growth, GMPTA and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) have combined forces, and put together a bid for the government's Transport Innovation Fund (TIF).

The TIF package would mean 3 billion pounds of funding to be spent on public transport in Greater Manchester. This funding would be made up of 1.5 billion in government grants and 1.2 billion in local funding, which would be supported by future revenue from a weekday peak time only congestion charge.

Unlike the London congestion scheme two cordons will be used, one covering the main urban core of the Greater Manchester Urban Area, and another covering Manchester City Centre.

The consultation period is now over and the final proposals have been made. From November 23rd, every household in the Greater Manchester area will be receiving their voting forms through the post, and must decide whether to vote for or against the new transport package.

The voting period closes on December 11th. So if you live in the Greater Manchester area, let your voice be heard, as these proposals will effect you.

For more information on Greater Manchester Public Transport, how the TIF proposals will effect your area, and the proposed congestion charge, click here.