Manchester is today expected to take a step closer to introducing road pricing on the city’s congested streets. Financial Times

Greater Manchester Council leaders are almost certain to agree to put the plan, which could presage further UK congestion charging, to the government later this year.

The council wants Whitehall’s backing for a £3bn programme of public transport improvements to entice commuters off the roads.

The government wants to see a pilot regional scheme and Manchester is considered a leading candidate.