Safe Speed Forums

Help us beat gridlock
Fay Schlesinger
21/12/2007

THE M.E.N. launches a massive online survey today to help drivers beat gridlock on Greater Manchester roads.

We want readers to tell us about long-running roadworks, problem traffic lights and constant bottlenecks, as well as inappropriate road safety schemes and bus lanes.

Then all the information will be used for an interactive map on the M.E.N. website showing problem areas.

We will also send a dossier to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken.

The launch of the survey comes as businesses in the city centre revealed how they have lost money over the last month because of traffic jams and parking chaos.

A two-year plan to replace ageing water mains in the city centre has led restaurants and theatres to despair in the run-up to Christmas, as people arrive late - or simply give up.

Andrew Howard, of the AA, said of our plan: "Fundamentally, the M.E.N. survey makes for better knowledge.

"There should be more use of technology to make information available - and it's the sort of information drivers love."

Jammed roads have been causing misery to commuters and shoppers as well as causing havoc for businesses.

Akbar's Indian restaurant has reported losses of 10 to 20 per cent at its Liverpool Road branch due to jams in the last month.

Customers who have spent up to an hour longer on the road have then struggled to park, with some turning away. And the Library Theatre Company, on St Peter's Square, said school parties had been stuck in traffic, so some performances were delayed up to 20 minutes, with actors waiting in the wings for them to arrive.

It is also feared that traffic problems could get worse unless urgent action is taken.

Congestion charging has been suggested, but plans suffered a major blow this month when Bury withdrew support - now only seven of Greater Manchester's 10 local authorities are in favour of a pay-to-drive scheme in return for £3bn of public transport improvements.

Click here to take part in the survey.

What do you think of city centre traffic? Have your say.

... - now only seven of Greater Manchester's 10 local authorities are in favour of a pay-to-drive scheme in return for £3bn of public transport improvements.

Am I right in thinking that:

seven is the minimum number of supporting councils needed?
of the remaining support, one or two are sitting on the fence until they have details of the proposals?

But the support of seven out of 10 members of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities is needed for the scheme to go ahead. Tory-controlled Trafford and Liberal Democrat-run Stockport, oppose the scheme, and they were joined by Bury last week.

To me it's down to which council has the bottle to agree, knowing it could lose them votes and their jobs.

It's believed that Bolton are wavering as well...