AFTER extensive public consultations Trafford Council has revealed that it will vote against plans for congestion charging at the meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authority (AGMA) on Friday.

During an executive meeting the deputy leader Cllr Matt Colledge said: "Trafford has been champion of full and proper consultation and we've even had people from other boroughs applauding our approach."

The council were assured that any bid would require unanimous support to go ahead, which now throws plans for congestion charges in Greater Manchester into doubt.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Ray Bowker said: "Nothing has inspired me to be in favour of congestion charges. There is too much missing information so this is too risky."

Trafford Council recognised the need for sustained long-term investment in public transport by central Government but believe that not enough has been offered to tempt drivers out of their cars and onto public transport.

Further concerns over plans to implement congestion charges came about when AGMA failed to produce a report in time for the meeting.

Council Leader Cllr Susan Williams said: "Our timetable for the decision within Trafford was based on promises made by the PTA about when we would receive the report. We are extremely disappointed that those promises have not been kept."

Labour Cllr Bernice Garlick questioned the validity of the surveys carried out during the consultation.

Cllr Williams was quick to confirm that they "were what they were" and consisted of a phone survey of 5,000 and households and 1,000 businesses in Trafford.

The council met suggestions of a localised road-pricing scheme in Altrincham in conjunction with the Greater Manchester congestion charges with derision.

Cllr Colledge said: "That would be a huge blow for the town and I would be vehemently opposed to proposals for such an idea."