Anger at another Labour stealth tax

09 June 2008

Local Conservatives have expressed their anger over the approval of the Government to support the proposed Manchester congestion charge, slamming the scheme as yet another Labour stealth tax, on the already hard-pressed motorist.

In a recent survey, conducted by Trafford Conservatives, 82% of Trafford residents were opposed to the introduction of congestion charging following the announcement last year by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to submit a bid to the Transport Innovation Fund.  Trafford Council has spearheaded the campaign against the bid which has seen two other Greater Manchester authorities, Conservative controlled Bury, and Liberal Democrat controlled Stockport join the campaign to stop the charge.

Concerns have been expressed around the size of the scheme, which is seven times that of the London zone and its ability to effectively reduce congestion.

The Leader of Trafford Council, Councillor Susan Williams said, “Trafford Conservatives will always listen to and engage with our local residents and we encourage other authorities to do the same.  This congestion charge is deeply unpopular and will hit families and motorists hard, at a time when the cost of living is increasing and fuel and grocery prices are going up.”

Responding to suggestions that the local economy will become stale and move backwards without the introduction of congestion charging, Cllr Williams fumed, “You don’t grow an economy by taxing people more.  The Manchester zone is significantly bigger than the London scheme and would represent a dangerous move for the future prosperity of the region.”