Abstract

Traffic is a major problem in Manchester, UK. Various methods had been considered by the local authority to cut vehicle numbers, congestion charging was widely viewed as being amongst the most effective. The widely perceived success of the London congestion pricing scheme also led Manchester to follow suit. Legislation permits British cities to introduce road pricing schemes, although they require approval of a higher authority to implement their proposals. A weekday, directional, peak-time only congestion charging scheme to tackle congestion at the time and in the place and direction where it is at its worst was considered in Greater Manchester from 2013.  However, in a local referendum in 2008, the citizens of Manchester rejected the proposed congestion charging scheme. This study examines the feasibility of the proposed scheme, potential benefits through case studies of similar schemes around the world, and tries to explore the reasons of public unacceptability.

Key words: Manchester, congestion charge, public acceptance, referendum, public transport.