Hoon stresses 'all or nothing' transport vote for Manchester

Mancunians have been reminded that their city will not receive around £1.5 billion of public transport funding unless they vote for the controversial congestion charging system.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon reiterated the Government's intentions in an interview with The Times, saying that Manchester would have to accept the system in next month's referendum to access funding to improve the city's train, bus and tram system.

The funding deal was set out by then-Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly in June.

Opponents of the congestion charge have accused the Government of bullying them into accepting the proposals.
Under the system, motorists could be charged up to £5 a day for travelling at peak times, with an electronic tagging system that automatically deducts money from drivers' accounts.

Mr Hoon, who told The Times "there is no Plan B", spelled out the message for the city.

"If the vote is 'no', there will be no central Government funding," he added.

"There will be plenty of other cities looking to take up the opportunity if Manchester doesn't."

Significant amendments were made to the proposals last month. They included halving the maximum daily charge (from £10 to £5) and an exemption for Trafford Park until the area's tram service is completed.

Meanwhile, transport advisors for newly-elected US president Barack Obama, are said to be studying the scheme to see if it could work in the US.

IMAGE Tim Ireland/PA Wire