Motorcycles escape congestion charge

Motorcyclists will be exempt from the UK’s biggest yet congestion charge zone under proposals announced today. 

A spokesman from the Manchester scheme said: “Motorbikes have been recommended for a 100% reduction so they won’t be paying.”

Car drivers are set to be charged up to £5 a day to enter zone, extending across Manchester, from 2013.

The scheme will form a blueprint for more new regional congestion zones – so the news is a signal motorcyclists could escape charges everywhere.

Sir Richard Leese, deputy leader of Manchester’s transport authority, said: “A wider use of motorbikes and scooters has the potential to reduce congestion, so we’re proposing that riders will receive a 100% discount”.