WEEKS into the consultation period over road congestion charges in Greater Manchester a councillor has thrown a spanner into the works.

Salford Council leader John Merry is reported to want to expand the two zone road charging plan by adding a third zone running around the city centre.

Already the idea has brought criticism from motoring experts who say it will cause more distrust of politicians.

If the change goes ahead drivers could argue that any plan agreed now could be changed again in the future - to the detriment of motorists.

Roy Sammons, chairman of the Bolton Institute of Advanced Motorists, says he is disgusted with the politicians for proposing change after all the discussion leaflets had already been sent out.

The congestion charge is another tax burden on the motorist and will not really solve any problems until national Government grasps the nettle of making public transport cheaper, cleaner and more frequent.