Manchester C-charge could hit couriers hard
Date: 16 August 2007
Manchester's road system may benefit greatly from the proposed congestion charge, but courier companies are likely to be hit hard.
The bid to put a charging scheme in place has left Greater Manchester with a bill for £9.8 billion, with £6.6 million of this coming from the region's passenger transport authority. Courier firms that could end up being charged daily may not be amused that they are indirectly paying for the bid itself - the authority is publicly funded.
However, the project could bring benefits in the longer term, leading to eased congestion and a smoother operation for delivery companies.
Speaking to Bolton News, local councillor Roger Hayes said: "If it brings in £3 billion in transport improvements, it may prove to be money well spent. But if we do not get it or decide we do not want to go ahead with it, it will be money down the drain."
Greater Manchester has applied for a grant from the transport innovation fund (TIF) and will receive £1.2 billion in TIF grants if successful.
The Road Haulage Association has stated that the idea of a Manchester congestion charge is "fatally flawed" because it will include freight haulage operators.
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