Chester Drivers Could Be Hit With Congestion Charge

Plans to hit motorists in Chester with a £12 weekly congestion charge are going out for consultation this morning.

The government say they are looking to trial the scheme in our city to see if it can reduce the amount of traffic using the city centre at peak times. 

It is also being tried out in Macclesfield in East Cheshire. 

Chargeable hours will be Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm. There will also be a charge on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm. Anyone driving on the ring road or within during these times will have to pay the weekly fee. 

However restrictions would be lifted for race weekends. 

Research from the RAC earlier this year suggested that the average motorist spends 31 hours stuck in traffic every year at a personal cost of £1,168. 

Minister for Emissions, Jo Kerr, said: "We realise this isn't a small amount of money to ask for. But in an age where global warming is more of a threat than ever before it is vital we do all we can to help the environment."

"With these new measures, Cheshire as a county will benefit to the tune of £12 million per year." 

Elaine Clowshure works in the city centre, and has told us that she is furious with the idea: "There is no way I can afford to pay £12 per week just to drive to work. I can't believe they are thinking about this just as we are about to lose free after three parking as well. There must be a better way to reduce traffic.

The pre-consultation only lasts for a few hours this morning and will end at midday before a decision is made on whether to press ahead. 

For details of how to take part please call the Dee Studio on 01244 391063.