Manchester councils set to vote on congestion zone that will affect haulage firms
Date: 27 July 2007
Councils in Greater Manchester are set to vote today (July 27th) on whether or not the city will put in place a congestion charge for motorists, including haulage and logistics drivers.
The plan to introduce a system similar to that in operation in London has drawn criticism form drivers' groups, who argue that charges of up to £5 per day will hit companies - including freight haulage firms - hard.
Haulage sector pressure group the Road Haulage Association believes the proposals are "fatally flawed" because of the intention to levy goods vehicles, which will damage logistics firms.
However, councils in Greater Manchester are expected to agree to the plans, arguing that congestion charging is needed to reduce traffic congestion and cut delays in freight and courier deliveries.
Trafford Borough Council has voted against the plans but Manchester City Council has backed them.
Sir Richard Leese, chairman of the Manchester executive council, said: "We need huge improvements in transport to ensure that our region continues to thrive. We are all currently paying a hidden tax because of congestion, which causes delays, damages air quality and makes our economy less competitive."
The money raised from the charge would go towards transport improvements, which should help haulage firms operate more efficiently on less congested roads.
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