Decision day for Manchester C-charge

Businesses and residents in Manchester will find out today if they are to follow London's lead with the introduction of congestion charging in the city.

Residents are voting on whether to introduce a two-ring scheme in Manchester as part of a Transport Innovation Fund.

Motorists would pay up to £5 at busy times from 2013, with the congestion charging scheme running from approximately 7am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6.30pm on weekdays.

If green-lighted, £3b of public transport improvements are promised by advocates of the scheme.

Unlike London, vehicles would be charged only for journeys into Manchester centre during the morning rush-hour and going out during the afternoon peak traffic period.

See Caterersearch later for the result.

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By Chris Druce

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