Press Releases
17 July 2008
Independent Transport Regulator
An independent regulator will be appointed to ensure any future changes to the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) charging scheme, particularly costs, are publicly scrutinised and seen to be reasonable and acceptable to the public and business community.
Unlike London, where prices have been allowed to rise by significant amounts year-on-year and additional zones have been bolted on without challenge, any proposed changes in Greater Manchester would be fully scrutinised by an independent regulator and must pass three tests set by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).
The tests state that any changes must be acceptable to the public and business community, must be focused on tackling congestion, and must promote economic growth and social inclusion. Furthermore all the revenue raised from the charge will be spent in improving public transport and addressing congestion.
Lord Peter Smith, Leader of AGMA, said: “I want to put to rest the point raised by some that we will increase the charge as soon as we are able, that future charges will be disproportionately high and that the system generally will be abused by elected politicians in the future.
“We have made clear that the maximum daily charge if you cross both rings on the way in and out, at peak times only, will be no more than £6 in 2013 prices. The average amount paid for those car users who don’t wish to take advantage of an improved public transportation on offer will also be no more than £3.50 at 2013 prices when it will be introduced.
“The appointment of an independent regulator will ensure that charging proposals beyond 2013 will be scrutinised to ensure they are reasonable and are related to congestion not the creation of a cash cow where revenue can be siphoned off to spend on anything other than public transport improvements.”
The regulator, who would hold a full-time position, will be appointed by elected members and business representatives ahead of the proposed introduction of the charge in 2013. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities would invite the new Business Leadership Council to consult Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the CBI and other business associations and assume responsibility for the open recruitment of the independent regulator.
Moving forwards, the regulator would maintain independent monitoring of the congestion charging scheme, and provide advice and scrutiny around public transport delivery, the impact of the charge on congestion, how it is affecting the economy, the pricing strategy and the operational performance.
The regulator would also be able to produce public reports on any proposed changes, meaning the process will be fully open to public scrutiny as well.
Lord Peter Smith, said: “There are no proposals being considered to extend the present two rings proposal, an extension is not being contemplated nor would it be justified.
“The TIF proposals are designed to tackle congestion - and we believe they will do this for many years to come.”
-ends-
Notes to Editors
The recent Department for Transport announcement confirms up to £3 billion of funding will be available for transport improvements in Greater Manchester. This comprises Government grants of £1.5 billion, £1.2 billion of local funding supported by future revenue from a limited peak time only congestion charge and £0.1 billion of third party contributions. The DFT has also confirmed that it will fund extra railway rolling stock for the city-region.
The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) is a central Government fund that supports "innovative solutions to congestion problems, involving demand management measures". Local Authorities across England bid for this fund.
Further information can be found at www.gmfuturetransport.com
For further information about this release please contact:
Dan McMullan
T: 0161 817 4200
M: 07799 667 416
E: dan.mcmullan@connectpoint.co.uk
Rob Allen
T 0161 817 4200
E rob.allen@connectpoint.co.uk
