Council Leader Sir Richard Leese has suggested a referendum after becoming concerned that disagreement over the charge between the ten councils in Greater Manchester could lead to chaos 2. He has insisted that all ten councils must agree to abide by the result before the referendum can go ahead.
 
Brian Gregory, chairman of the ABD, said:

"I am delighted that Manchester's civic leaders have at long last recognised that a decision to introduce road pricing must be put to the people of Greater Manchester if it is to have any credibility."

The ABD insists, however, that the referendum question must be fair and free from political spin, and that all those likely to be affected by the charge should have a vote. The playing field must also be level, for instance the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities must reveal vital cost projections that have previously been withheld.
 
ABD Manchester Local Co-ordinator, and MART spokesman, Sean Corker said:

"MART would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Manchester's authorities on framing a balanced question that all sides can agree on." 3

ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries added:

"We also call for anyone who works in the congestion charge area, but who lives outside of Greater Manchester, to be included in the referendum. It would be undemocratic to deny these people an opportunity to participate in the referendum as they contribute towards the economy of Greater Manchester and stand to be directly affected by the proposed charge."