Getting it wrong

Contrary to popular belief, I'm more than happy to put my hand up when I've got it wrong - and I got it wrong a couple of weeks back. I was incorrect when I suggested that Maxonians would have to pay to enter Manchester in the evening if the congestion charge came into effect.

This is because I assumed, on the basis of how the technology works and what is sensible, that you would get charged for driving within the zone - just like you do in London.

But this is not the case. You will get charged for crossing into the zone boundary in the morning, and out of the zone boundary in the evening.

So for us it's great, but for everyone who lives in Manchester it's bonkers. Completely bonkers. It's the most crackpot system I've ever heard of.

As long as all residents fully understand the system that is being proposed then I have no doubt the referendum will be a resounding no. Because it's crackers.

Did I mention it was a bit daft?

It means that if you live within the zone, you don't get charged to drive within it. If you drive through the boundary at 6.59am, you can drive all day in the city and you don't get charged. If you park your car just over the boundary the night before (which if you live a mile or so from it you will do), you don't get charged.

Can you imagine what those residential streets which are just inside the zone are going to look like at night? There are so many ways to avoid it which will result in behaviour which is irritating for residents.

But what's really Bonkers is that if you drive somewhere that means you have to cross the boundary more than once (because you're trying to navigate somewhere on the outskirts) then you'll pay every time you cross.

Although they are considering a "maximum charge per day for multiple crossings" and a day pass - which is kind of them.