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MAG: Manchester riders shouldn't face C-charge
The Motor Cycle Action Group (MAG) has criticised Manchester's transport authorities for not exempting motorcyclists from its new road-pricing scheme.
Under new proposals, riders in the north-western city are set to join drivers in being charged £5 daily for using its roads, in a move that has unsurprisingly drawn severe criticism in some quarters.
MAG is incredulous at the idea that motorcyclists should be made to pay a congestion charge when these vehicles actually help to ease traffic, but is optimistic that the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities can be persuaded to rethink these plans.
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Director of public affairs Trevor Baird explained: "[Ex-transport minister] Stephen Ladyman is replaced by Rosie Winterton, Ruth Kelly has been appointed as the secretary of state for transport with the responsibility of rolling out the congestion charge across Greater Manchester and perhaps she will give Manchester direction in exempting motorcycles in their proposed scheme."
The organisation also drew attention to the fact that existing road-pricing schemes in Durham and central London do not charge motorcyclists, arguing that the system in the latter district is working particularly well due to this exclusion.
London's riders were also praised last month by the British Motorcyclists Federation, which claimed that they have actually played a part in making the capital's roads safer as well, while also highlighting the reduced commuting times they face.
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