How big a problem is traffic congestion in Manchester?
Roger Jones: Congestion is currently a major problem in and around Greater Manchester and will become even more so in the future. It is estimated that 210,000 new jobs will be created in Greater Manchester by 2021, based on the region’s current growth. This growth will add new demands on travel, especially at peak times relevant to both business and the general public. Doing nothing would jeopardise 30,000 of these new jobs, which would harm the city’s economic growth. In short, if we do nothing, businesses will avoid Greater Manchester because goods, services and employees will not be able to move efficiently around the 10 districts. Could you summarise how the Manchester congestion charge will work and why you have gone for this approach for tackling congestion? Only motorists crossing one of the two charging rings in the morning peak towards Manchester’s city centre (7-9.30am) or in evening away from the city centre (4-6.30pm) would be charged. All other journeys during the day, in
