TRAM: British and Australian (American usually streetcar also trolley) noun [C] An electric vehicle that transports people, usually in cities, and goes along metal tracks in the road. (Taken from the Cambridge English Dictionary)
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This Page was last updated Sunday 15th July 2007
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MANCHESTER C-CHARGE CONTROVERSY
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 15th July 2007
It is a controversy that I am sure will not go away quickly but the proposed Congestion Charge in the Greater Manchester area has been making the local headlines again this week for most of the wrong reasons. Of course the C-Charge will help to fund major expansion on the Metrolink network.
A billionaire businessman has claimed that the C-Charge should be dumped and the funds found from the sale of Manchester Airport. John Whittaker, head of Peel Holdings (owners of the Trafford Centre) claims that the move would raise £7 billion which could then be invested in local public transport. The airport is currently owned by all ten councils in Greater Manchester with Manchester City Centre owning 55% and Mr Whittaker believes selling this would raise enough money and allow the C-Charge plan to be abandoned. However, his idea has been rejected out of hand by the Councils.
The plans have actually been backed by the public at a key consultation meeting in Manchester. The question and answer scheme was organised by the GMPTA and saw 70% of those attending in favour of the plan to charge road users. Cllr Roger Jones, Chair of the GMPTA, told the meeting: “It is a one-off chance to transform public transport across this area, and if we bid, we will be competing with major cities across the country. If we don't bid, it's not the end of the matter. We will still need the same funding, - we will just have to look elsewhere for it."
