Congestion charge

Manchester is currently considering whether to introduce a congestion charge, similar to that in London. The government has offered 3 billion pounds to implement the scheme and make a massive investment in public transport at the same time. This would involve a large extension of the tram network, along with new bus routes and interchanges throughout Greater Manchester, from Wigan to Stockport (the extensions are marked in red on the transport map).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2007/01/24/240106_road_pricing_feature.shtml

http://www.stopthecharge.co.uk/?gclid=CMKBtZSmvpYCFRlPEAodWS0ByQ

The congestion charge would operate through cameras which record number plates, located on every street inside the M60 circular freeway, and a second charge on an inner ring around the city centre. This is an area much larger than London, although motorists would only be charged during peak hour travel on weekdays.

Initially, there was considerable opposition in the local press, however, opinion polls since then indicate majority public support. The main argument in favour of it is that traffic congestion is limiting business development in Manchester, particularly business traffic to the city centre and the Trafford industrial area. Motorist groups are organising against it, and several local councils have opposed it. The loss of traditionally safe Labour councils to the Conservatives in this year's local government elections was blamed on the unpopularity of the charge.

A referendum is to take place in November.

Altrincham FC 1 Oxford United 0

On a bizarrely sunny and warm afternoon, Altrincham, bizarrely, played well at home and defeated the full-time professionals of Oxford Utd. It was a close match, and the first half saw the visitors well on top, pressing the home team into their own half for long periods. But Altrincham have acquired three new taller, better defenders and look much stronger at the back. They dealt with corners and crosses much better than last season, but still looked vulnerable down the middle. Oxford missed a couple of great chances, and one shot from only 6 yards went all the way onto the roof of the new three storey townhouse behind the away end. Home fans chanted, ‘We’re in the same league, for all your money’ and ‘You’ll be here for years’, as Alty came back into the match with a good shot on goal, and made it to half time at 0-0. Sadly, the promised half-time entertainment – the ‘keepy-uppy challenge’ – failed to materialise, but the sunshine amused the 1,800 fans sufficiently to forestall rebellion.

Alty came out strongly in the second half and got on top by running at defenders. I don’t know where these skills and sense of adventure came from, but it worked. At 63 minutes an excellent move through the middle was spread wide to the right, the cross was good, and Little trapped it and thumped it in for 1-0. Oxford never really got back into the match and the sun was still shining at full-time.

Incredibly, Alty are now equal eighth on 22 points, better than half the points tally they managed all last season. And with the club’s stern policy of staying in the black, the strategy of financial prudence is paying off in the Credit Crunch.