Representatives from all 3 main political parties called today for a fair question to be put forward on the forthcoming referendum on transport investment and the corresponding congestion charge.

Councillor David Goddard, Liberal Democrat Leader of Stockport, Councillor Susan Williams, Conservative Leader of Trafford and Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Manchester Blakeley and all agreed that the question should include reference to the congestion charge, as well as the proposed investment, to ensure clarity and fairness in the process.

Cllr David Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Sir Neil McIntosh allowed the words ‘congestion charging’ in the referendum question for Edinburgh but refuses it for the people of Greater Manchester.

“My question is simple, why were the words included in the question for the Edinburgh toll road referendum but not recommended for the Greater Manchester referendum?”

Cllr Susan Williams, said: “The public of Greater Manchester have a right to know what exactly they will be voting for in the referendum later next month. To leave the congestion charge out of the question is completely misleading and makes a farce out of the whole process. I will be pressing very hard to correct this anomaly on Friday at AGMA.”

Graham Stringer MP, commented: “Congestion charging is the most controversial part of the transport innovation proposals and it is only fair that it is mentioned in the question.”

The Congestion Charge Vote is set for 11th December and will be your only opportunity to have your say. If YOU vote we can STOP it, if you don’t vote YOU may have to PAY it!

For more information on the ‘NO’ campaign goto www.stopthecharge.co.uk