[Margaret Pilkington]

Katex, there is enough money about to do things that the government feel are important.
In my view the transport infrastructure needs to improved before motorists will forsake the comfort/convenience of their cars.
Motorists are already heavily taxed......it appears to me and many motorists that the government see them as a 'cashcow'.
I'm not sure that all the taxes that are extracted from the motorists do go to the upkeep and maintenance of the road system.
This charge could have seen the demise of many small businesses, who are already under great pressure due to the current financial downturn...not to mention being a tax on those whose work will take them into the city during the hours that the charge would be in place.

I would like to know just how much money Manchester makes from motorists by way of parking infringements...why could this not be put to good use?

There is always the chance that in the future the congestion charge could be extended to cover a larger area, be in effect for most business hours, and could be increased.
And who is to say that the promised transport improvements would have lived up to the expectations of the paying publc?

No.....the improvements should be done first.....that is the way to get drivers out of their vehicles......and it doesn't penalise the folk who have to travel into the city to deliver goods and services.