Road Congestions Charges

[Mike]

. . . that the revenues will be ear-marked for transport improvements and not go into a general budget.

You mean like Road Tax? That started out as a tax to keep the roads in good order and is now a general budget for everything and anything.

Or Income Tax? That started out as a tax to fight a war against Napoleon. . . .

[johnriley1uk]

Why do people still trust governments?

[Mike]

Herd instinct. I feel sorry for those in charge. They are more powerless than the rest of us.

[mr_e]

I wouldn't say people still trust governments, they just seem to be too apathetic or distracted by stupid shite and day-to-day subsistence to do anything about it.

Once people become accustomed to the idea of taxes, the state will take advantage of the fact. Having said that, it has produced some cool stuff, like the NHS, State Pensions and my job. However, I'm also concerned that the congestion charges may begin to vary, with an upwards trend.

[stimpsonslostson]

Its the dreaded time for car insurance renewals... I thought this could be costly.
My insurance for a 1.4l honda civic was £1100ish last year, I had no no-claims and hadn't driven in years. Apparently living in Manchester doesn't help.
I was quoted £904 for this year, until I mentioned my relocation to rural East Lothian (EH40 3DY for those who are curious about how remote my parents place is- google earth sticks the pin thru the roof of the house). The price dropped (despite me doubling my predicted milage) to... wait for it...



£350!!! Same coverage, same everything, different postcode!

how mad is that!
p

[Mike]

That is pretty insane. When we moved from a Manchester post code to a Stockport postcode the price dropped by about a third. That was pretty nice. What are you going to do with the extra £600 this year? (buy an iPhone!)

[liz.brownlloyd]

Add a garage and it dropped to a third...

[Mike]

Cant really do that one I am afraid. I would have to demolish someones house!

[mr_e]

Nah, you just need to buy their living room off them then convert in into a garage, leaving them a small corridor as access to the rest of their house. Who needs a living room anyway?

The final date for voting on the charge is December 11th, so we'll know pretty soon what's been decided. In our household, the vote will depend on whoever gets to the ballot paper first, I suspect.

[BarcelonAl]

I'm still undecided. There seems to be reasonably compelling arguments on both sides. Someone needs to convince me, and those billboard posters aren't helping...

[stimpsonslostson]

which bilboards are you referring to? Surely not the
"I won't have to pay the congestion charge for the ambulance which takes me to hospital when someone smacks seven shades of sh!t out of me for being such a smug b@st@rd all the time" ones?

[Mike]

which bilboards are you referring to? Surely not the
"I won't have to pay the congestion charge for the ambulance which takes me to hospital when someone smacks seven shades of sh!t out of me for being such a smug b@st@rd all the time" ones?

I am going to go out on a limb and say a big fat NO. I get the train, it WON'T effect me (yes I am one of those smug bastards - or so it would appear), but it is WRONG.

[BarcelonAl]

which bilboards are you referring to? Surely not the
"I won't have to pay the congestion charge for the ambulance which takes me to hospital when someone smacks seven shades of sh!t out of me for being such a smug b@st@rd all the time" ones?

Those are the ones. Apparently the 'Stars' are becoming minor celebrities...what-ever!

I think I'm going for 'No' as well on reflection...I'd rather not see the local shops die a death because no one wants to drive in. I'm also not sure they'll EVER put a tram down Barlow Moor Road!

[John Knight]

It has to be said I'm not surprised by Mikes big fat NO. He is one of the people who lives in an area of the city that is currently extremely well provided for in terms of public transport, Councils Like his with good transport links are pushing the NO vote. For example Bury (metro), Trafford (metro) Stockport (main line train link) well CHEERS GUYS!

Great attitude "WE'RE OK F**K THE REST OF YOU"


try getting into town from places where the transport is garbage and see how you feel.

The charge is solely aimed at commuters using their cars to drive in and out of the city centre in rush hour during the week and they are commited to providing 80% of the proposed infrastructure before the charge comes in. I really cannot see what the fuss is about.

[Mike]

Great attitude "WE'RE OK F**K THE REST OF YOU"

Nope, not true at all. My attitude is to get better public transport for everyone based on a sound system that does not send money towards private companies and allow them to profit for a psuedo 'environmental' and a loosly veiled concern from a government that is essentally talking about revenue raising. Don't forget there is still £1.5 billion available for public transport improvements even if the congestion charge does not come in.

You could always come a live in Stockport. . . . great train line