IDontKnow
14-12-2008, 05:09 PM
The results of the referendum for the Transport Inovation Fund package and peak time congestion charge were revealed at just after 12:20 on December 12th in which all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester resoundingly rejected the proposals.
This comes after weeks of campaigning on both sides but hole were picked in the Yes Campaign and there use of false propaganda shot themselves in the foot in the end. 79% of Greater Manchester did not want the congestion charge in the end and there was around a 50% voter turnout - much higher than for most other general and local elections.
Even in the "Yes" campaign stronghold of Manchester City Council for every 1 yes vote there were 3 no votes.
This result means that the TIF package will not be implemented however when questioned the Department for Transport confirmed there would still be a £1.5 billion investment in Greater Manchester public transport rather than the £2.8 billion proposed.
The Yes campaign, as well as the government, tried to hide the fact that even if the bill was rejected that £1.5 billion would still be invested.
I personally find this a betrayal by the government and a attempt to influence the vote.
I would hope in light of these matter that the Gordon Brown will make a speech to explain the governments actions and that Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon would tender his resignation in light of this gross misuse of authority.
This comes after weeks of campaigning on both sides but hole were picked in the Yes Campaign and there use of false propaganda shot themselves in the foot in the end. 79% of Greater Manchester did not want the congestion charge in the end and there was around a 50% voter turnout - much higher than for most other general and local elections.
Even in the "Yes" campaign stronghold of Manchester City Council for every 1 yes vote there were 3 no votes.
This result means that the TIF package will not be implemented however when questioned the Department for Transport confirmed there would still be a £1.5 billion investment in Greater Manchester public transport rather than the £2.8 billion proposed.
The Yes campaign, as well as the government, tried to hide the fact that even if the bill was rejected that £1.5 billion would still be invested.
I personally find this a betrayal by the government and a attempt to influence the vote.
I would hope in light of these matter that the Gordon Brown will make a speech to explain the governments actions and that Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon would tender his resignation in light of this gross misuse of authority.