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Manchester Congestion Charge

I keep meaning to write about this, but just never get around to it.

The Manchester Congestion charging will barely affect me, I also Travel during Rush Hour and see Congestion on the motorway every single morning. I'll put that up front.

Manchester is in the process of putting in place a congestion charge for those entering both Greater Manchester (i.e. crossing the M60) and going into central Manchester.

Through Tax on Car Allowances and Diesel and My Car Road Tax, I pay approximately £4.5k a year, I drive quite a few miles and pay very much for the priviledge of doing so. The Government has previously made it clear that it wants to reduce the number of journeys people make, reduce pollution and congestion, and it's frequently stated that it should increase tax on those with large cars and those that travel a lot.

THOSE WHO TRAVEL A LOT PAY LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY TO THE GOVERNMENT IN DUTY ON DIESEL.

A Congestion charge is going to lead to an increase in traffic just outside the charging zone, it's going to lead to a new Rush hour just before the charging period begins. Unless Cameras are sited carefully, it could lead to rat running to avoid costs. it could penalise parents who drop off their kids for school and then go to work (i.e. those who need their cars) and are working to get somewhere.

I agree that something needs to be done about Congestion, but if motorists are going to have to pay to travel during rush hour, those who don't should have theirs reduced.

i.e. Long Haul drivers and companies should have a reduction in their Road Haulage road tax reduced if they travel outside rush hours (the people who are getting hammered by both Diesel charges and taxes on Diesel)

Motorists pay a lot of money into the Government's coffers already, Some of that money should be allocated towards Public Transport NOW instead of being used to prop up a very poorly run NHS and pay MPs huge wages and Pensions.

Congestion charging is coming and should be implemented, but not without some concessions to those who are willing to avoid congested areas
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