The people of Greater Manchester are to vote on whether to introduce a congestion charge in the region, council leaders have ruled.
Bosses of all 10 local authorities agreed unanimously to hold a public referendum on the issue. The vote is likely to be held in early to mid-December.
Under the scheme, peak-time drivers would pay £2 to cross the M60, then a further £1 to enter t
he inner charging zone of Manchester city centre.
A extra two £1 charges would be levied to cross the boundaries heading out of the city.
Delivery drivers would face paying up to £10 a day for repeated crossings.
The project, earmarked to be to introduced in 2013, would be combined with a £2.8 billion Government-funded package for public transport improvements.
Members of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (Agma) meeting in Bury decided voters would vote on just one question, with the wording yet to be decided.
Agma leader Lord Peter Smith said the vote would be "all or nothing" for the region. He said: "The news is an important step forward for the people of Greater Manchester who now have an opportunity to vote on one of the most important decisions this city region has seen for decades.
"People will have their say on whether they want to say yes to a transformed public transport system in Greater Manchester including a congestion charge to ensure their region can continue to prosper."
"It is all or nothing."
The referendum will not affect the public consultation process currently under way and due to end in October.
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