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10th June 2008
Manchester congestion charge 'could be bad news for small businesses'
The recent decision to press ahead with a congestion charging scheme in Manchester could have serious implications for the city's small businesses, a leading pressure group has warned.
Yesterday (June 9th), the government revealed that the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities' (AGMAs') bid for money to fund a Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) had been accepted. The fund is designed to provide funding to improve bus, rail, tram and cycle links in the city.
As part of the deal, motorists will be taxed up to £5 to enter the city centre during rush hour periods.
However, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) warned that smaller firms will be most affected by the charge.
"The concerns of smaller businesses were simply not considered before the TIF bid was put forward by AGMA," explained the FPB's campaigns assistant, Jane Bennett.
"Another serious concern is that, so far, AGMA has sought local opinion, not on the issue of congestion charging, but only on whether to bid for funds to improve public transport."
One small business owner, Andrew Ince, warned that the congestion charge could put his firm in a difficult situation.
"I'm going to have to consider whether or not we stay in Manchester and I am concerned the congestion charge will also affect the value of our property," he explained.
"There is no balance between the reduced congestion and the additional cost to my business."
(c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.
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