The Manchester congestion charge was put to the vote today.
There was an overwhelming vote of 'No'
I feel sure LPG users would have been charged for this one too.
I don't know the full details but the excuse for the charge was to raise money for improvements to public transport (And the green issues). A 'Yes' vote would have allowed them access to a government grant also.
Manchester Congestion Charge.
No doubt the same tactics were employed in order to achieve a yes vote as it was in London. One major tactic was to re-phase all the traffic lights in favor of pedestrians no matter what. This caused London traffic to slow to a virtual stand still. It gave the impression that something had to be done. Londoners fell for it hook, line and sinker. Its nice to see that the people of Manchester saw what was coming and put a stop to it. I doubt if this will be the end of it though, as a resounding democratic NO is the wrong answer.
I heard one Yes voter on the radio complaining that this was an opportunity lost to spend money on a better public transport system. Now this government has been taking money hand over fist of the motorists since they seized power nearly 11 years ago. They have had billions in duties and motoring taxes and fines from speed cameras yet have spent virtually naff all on new roads, improved rail networks, new tram routes or any other improvement in public transport. Now they have the gall to complain that with out the charge , they can't afford the required investments. You can only pull the wool over the voters eyes for so long until you run out of wool.