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‘Yes’ to C-charge but by tiny majority
by Brian Lashley27/ 8/2008
PEOPLE in Tameside are split right down the middle over the congestion charge, a survey has revealed.
A total of 51 per cent are in favour of the controversial scheme, with 44 per cent against.
The figures form part of a survey of more than 5,000 people in Greater Manchester.
Overall, 53 per cent support plans to introduce a charge of up to £5 per day to enter Manchester city centre to help fund massive investment in public transport. The charge will only be brought if it wins support in at least seven boroughs in a December referendum.
In return for a ‘yes’ vote, the government will hand over £1.5bn to revolutionise trams, trains and buses — and allow the area to borrow £1.2bn more against three decades of profits from the charge.
The MORI poll shows backing for the deal is strongest in Wigan, with 58 per cent in favour and 36 per cent against. There are also clear majorities in favour in Manchester (56-38), Rochdale (57-39), Trafford (55-38) and Stockport (52-41).
Support is weakest in Tory-run Bury, where 49 per cent say ‘yes’ compared to 46 per cent saying ‘no’. The majorities are also slimmer in Salford (50-44), Oldham (51-41) and Bolton (51-40).
Trafford and Stockport’s Lib Dem chiefs have declared strong opposition to the deal, claiming they are reflecting local attitudes. Bury Council also wants a ‘no' vote.
The charge will not be introduced before summer 2013, when ‘at least 80 per cent of the proposed new public transport’ is up and running, say transport chiefs.
Opponents will take heart from the fact that support was ‘softer’ than opposition. Only 21 per cent said they definitely' accept it with 32 per cent saying ‘probably’.
That compares to 27 per cent saying they would reject the deal.
Most recent 2 of 7 user comments
When MART was using the mayoral referendum petition to put pressure on the council to give us a con charge referendum we had a massive response against the charge. For every one person that agreed with the con, there was at least 50 who were willing to sign the petition.
Only the referendum in December will tell...
29/08/2008 at 09:34
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Tameside have been working hard to try to convince people this tax is needed. They have changed traffic signals, narrowed roads, made more one way streets and put in extra traffic signals all to create extra congestion.
9/11/2008 at 23:17