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London’s formula
Vic Barlow14/ 2/2007
AS A frequent visitor to the capital I'd say congestion charges have done a pretty good job of keeping surplus traffic out of the West End.
London's public transport system makes it totally unnecessary to drive into the city. There are tube stations in every neighbourhood, frequent bus services and taxis you can hail within minutes from almost any locality, but this is not a formula that's going to work in Manchester.
Unless you're lucky enough to live close by a tram stop you will have an impossible commute. The last time Mrs B travelled to work (in Failsworth) from Sutton the journey took three hours each way.
Hanging around a deserted bus stop in the dark on her way home, she decided never to do it again.
Manchester will need a dramatic improvement in public transport if congestion charges are to be successful and how will people working for minimum wage be able to afford the increased cost? This is an ill-conceived idea born out of civic greed. Greater Manchester Council need to think this through before exploiting commuters.
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