NWBLT SUPPORTS GREATER MANCHESTER TIF PROPOSALS
12/11/2008
The North West Business Leadership Team has declared its support for the proposed Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) investment in Greater Manchester but only if the Government’s package of support delivers substantial public transport improvements prior to the introduction of a congestion charge.
Manchester city centre
At a recent NWBLT meeting, senior North West business leaders expressed their support for Greater Manchester taking full advantage of the £2.8 billion offer from Government. Whilst recognising that there are still some uncertainties regarding the precise costs and benefits of the proposed transport improvements, and their effect on different parts of the region, NWBLT believes that the overall long-term impact of the TIF investment will be beneficial for Greater Manchester and the North West.
Mike Blackburn, BT’s North West Regional Director and the Chair of NWBLT’s transport priority group, said “The Government’s package of support amounts to £1,000 for every man, woman and child living in Greater Manchester today and, provided the promised infrastructure investment is in place before road pricing is introduced, we believe it is right that part of the cost of the improvements should then be borne by those who still choose to travel by car at peak times.”
NWBLT has also called on businesses to offer flexible working hours and travel plans for employees to reduce congestion in the region.
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Innovation & Sustainable Development
Climate Change Project Underway
25/07/2008
A two year NWDA funded project to help businesses address climate change is underway with the appointment by Business in the Community of Gudrun Cartwright as Climate Change Manager, with responsibility to co-ordinate the project.