Congestion charging - more convincing to persuade public

Congestion charging road mark

The Liberal Democrats have reacted to the news of potential secondary congestion charging scheme by saying that more needs to be done to persuade the public.  Rochdale MP and Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson Paul Rowen said: "We will of course be looking at this potential scheme in more detail.  We maintain our positive position that we would like to see dramatic improvements to public transport in Rochdale.  This would include dramatic improvements to things like bus services in places like Wardle and Littleborough and an end to the chronic overcrowding to our trains.  I find these consultations to be vague - for example, we are told that buses will become more frequent when not actually going into where they will be or any information on how congestion charging will be policed.  I would like to see more details and I am sure that Rochdale residents and businesses would agree with me before we can come to an informed position."

Rochdale Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson Councillor Peter Davison said:  "The deadline for the Transport Innovation Fund Bid is coming quickly.  I welcome the strength that the four key tests that the Liberal Democrats have insisted on gives people in Rochdale.  Transport bosses have to prove that they will bring in significant public transport improvements, have the support of residents and businesses but also be relevant to where congestion actually is. I thank my Lib Dem Colleagues including Council Leader Alan Taylor who insisted on this. 

Transport bosses have a lot of work to do before the bid for Transport Innovation Fund money goes in next month.  Vague leaflets that are short of information will not contribute to this.  I am saddened that £500,000 of public money has been effectively wasted in this case."