News And Views-what Is Manchester's Plan B?

摘要

During December 2008 Mancunians voted overwhelmingly not to accept Greater Manchester's ￡3bn 'Transport Innovation Fund' package of transport developments which included a 'peak-time' congestion charge zone, which would have been the largest in Britain, and an extended public transport network intended to reduce dependence on private cars. However, with the proposal's rejection all of these schemes have been shelved. Supporters of the 'Yes' campaign said the improvements would have transformed the city whilst the 'No' campaigners said that the congestion charge would have crippled commuters. It is worthwhile reflecting on some of the comments made by interested parties such as the Leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese who said: 'Businesses will now have to accept that rising congestion on the roads is a cost they will have to bear and factor this into their plans. They will also have to face the prospect of a shrinking labour pool as congestion begins to bite - restricting the number of suitable employees available for any role by as much as 22%.'