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Turkeys do vote for Christmas
December 17th, 2008 (08:48 pm)
I accept that Mancunians wouldn't want to be lectured at by London. But, I am sorry that the congestion charge was overturned - and by such a majority. It does seem extraordinarily short sighted and selfish. The problem is that the "Christmas" they have voted for: no charge now, will lead to worse congestion, poorer public transport and will do nothing to help anyone reach any sustainable level of emissions.
Well, I voted yes (as did many friends), however, the "no" vote was so corporate-backed (Trafford Centre and Peel Holdings say hello) that it wasn't going to happen.
To be perfectly honest, the scheme was a bit insane (and Labour-council led) and it was a false choice really. That said, the yes vote was the best thing IMO to do.
On the bright side, and as we know, doing nothing is not an option and that we need to cut carbon or we're all screwed.
So something good will come out this in one way or the other, just not by publicly subsidised private transport companies (Stagecoach, please stand up!); I am a perpetually optimistic Mancunian!
George, I'll try to fill you in on this whole debacle; there's more to this than the stuff that's been covered by mainstream national media :)