Mixed reaction to Manchester C-charge 'no' vote

Congestion charging will not go ahead in Manchester, after residents and businesses voted overwhelmingly against it.

In a referendum held this week, the results of which were announced today, the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester all voted down the scheme - some by a majority of more than 5:1.

Business and transport groups have expressed a range of reactions to the result.

The Freight Transport Association said that without a charging zone, cross-town deliveries would suffer. Head of policy Malcolm Bingham said: "We were confident that the congestion charge could represent something of real benefit to businesses and the logistics industry in the area.

"This decision is a real missed opportunity."

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce asked what could now be done to address the city's transport needs.

"Most people, including business, want to see public transport improve," said chief executive Angie Robinson. "The question is now, how can that happen?"

While the Association of British Drivers welcomed the decision, environmental groups were dismayed. "Those who opposed the charge will now have to say how traffic problems in our cities can be addressed," said Campaign for Better Transport executive director Richard Joseph.

"It's not possible or desirable to build enough roads for free-flowing traffic.

"Sadly the business groups in Manchester who opposed charging want to keep people chained to their cars rather than giving them choices."