An angry Denton MP, Andrew Gwynne, today called on the Government to intervene on AGMA and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority’s flawed consultation into the proposed congestion charging scheme for Greater Manchester. In today’s Transport Questions, Andrew Gwynne asked Ministers to join with him in his criticism of the public consultation exercise just launched this week.

Denton – Tameside’s second largest town - straddles the M60 Motorway which is proposed to become the outer zone charging boundary but, according to a list of venues published in the 24-page consultation prospectus to be delivered to every house in the county, it will not play host to any of the four ‘information roadshows’ planned for Tameside. These roadshows will explain to local people how the proposed charging scheme would operate and how the £3 billion public transport investment would be implemented in their area if the scheme gains public approval.  There are currently two roadshows in Ashton, one in Hyde and one in Stalybridge planned.

Andrew Gwynne MP said to a packed House of Commons:

“Given that the Secretary of State was led to believe by the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities that public consultation on the transport innovation fund bid and congestion charge would be in depth and extensive, does she share my concern and dismay that of the four roadshows planned for Tameside not one will be in Denton, the second largest town in the borough and a community directly affected by the M60 outer charging zone? Can she ensure that my constituents’ views will be sought by the powers-that-be in that process and use her good offices to ensure that we have a roadshow?”

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:

“It is vital for all those affected to be able to have their say.”

”I urge him to continue to pursue the matter with the Greater Manchester authorities.”

Speaking later, Andrew Gwynne MP continued:

“Given that Denton and Audenshaw will be the most directly affected communities in Tameside by this proposed congestion charge scheme, how can we not have one of the four information roadshows? It is quite frankly outrageous.  My constituents are seeking very real assurances and answers to some pretty detailed questions about how these proposals may affect their day-to-day lives.  The cynic in me thinks that AGMA and GMPTA are running away from the very communities they should be actively engaging with over this issue, and not just in the communities where they will certainly benefit greatly from tram, train and other transport improvements. I find the whole approach very disappointing to say the least”

“I am now calling on the Greater Manchester Transport Authority and AGMA to try much harder with their consultation exercise, and ensure the people of Denton and Audenshaw have a full say in this major decision which will undoubtedly affect theirs and Greater Manchester’s future. I want to see them agree to holding a roadshow in Denton Town Centre so my constituents can look at the plans, ask questions and make their own minds up on this important decision.”