BURY South MP Ivan Lewis believes there are five key issues surrounding the controversial proposals to introduce congestion charging on Bury New Road and 14 other busy routes into Manchester.

He is also undertaking his own consultation exercise to gauge the views of constituents on the plans which could mean drivers paying for using the A56 through Prestwich and Whitefield.

Meanwhile, Conservative councillor Michelle Wiseman, selected to fight the Bury South seat for the Tories at the next General Election, fears road pricing could hit trade in Prestwich amid attempts to regenerate the town centre.

The prospect of congestion charges being introduced between 2010 and 2012 took a major step forward at a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) in Bury last Friday.

Bosses from the ten Greater Manchester councils backed the report about road pricing. No formal discussion on a fee has been undertaken, but it is believed it could be around £4 per day, compared to London's £8 daily charge.

A major public consultation will be launched throughout Greater Manchester this spring to cover public transport improvements as well as congestion charging.

Mr Lewis said: "This is an issue of profound importance to my constituents as commuters, workers, employers and parents. It will impact on our future quality of life, standard of living and local economy.

"Transport, the environment and jobs are three of the most important challenges we face and all require policies which enable our community and local economy to prosper. It is true that congestion and the resultant pollution is a modern menace which has to be tackled. However, congestion charging is only one potential element in creating a solution and carries with it many potential risks."

The MP says he will be applying five tests to any eventual proposals to determine if they will deliver: l-A truly integrated and high quality public transport system for Greater Manchester.

l-Significant environmental benefits supported by evidence.

l-Re-regulated or equivalent locally planned and controlled bus services.

l-A credible assessment of the economic impact on jobs and businesses, especially in areas outside the city of Manchester.

l-Safeguards which protect hardworking citizens and families on low incomes.

Now, he is urging constituents to write to him at 381 Bury New Road, Prestwich, with their views, post comments on his website burysouthlabour.org.uk or email at ivanlewis@burysouth.fsnet.co.uk.

Councillor Wiseman, Conservative Parliamentary spokeswoman for Bury South, commented: "The A56 in Prestwich is a residential area with lots of small traders. A congestion charge will persuade more people to shop out of town at the same time as we want more done to regenerate Prestwich town centre.

"Bury isn't London and the people behind this plan have failed to recognise that the A56 is a main route to the motorway and beyond. There are very few families in Prestwich and Bury who will not be worse off under this plan."