MANCHESTER CONGESTION CHARGE

That this House notes that proposals are currently being considered for a congestion charge to be introduced in Manchester; further notes that local authorities and residents within Greater Manchester are being consulted in relation to this matter but considers that there is a worrying lack of recognition that many people from Lancashire and other counties neighbouring Greater Manchester also travel into Manchester on a regular basis either for work, business, studying or leisure purposes; further notes the huge impact such a charge would have on such people, particularly as rail networks to and from Manchester are already overcrowded, leaving commuters with no option but to use the car; and therefore calls on the Government to extend the consultation to areas such as Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Merseyside where any congestion charge would have a serious impact on local people.