TRANSPORT bosses have denied reports that drivers could pay three times to drive into the centre of Manchester.

As D-day for consultation on congestion charging draws nearer, they promise there will be only two charges: one to enter a zone bordered by the M60, and a second ring (undetermined) nearer the city.

However, it is unclear whether there would be more than two zones. In newspaper adverts last month, an "outer" and an "inner" ring are shown on the map. But in the leaflet now being sent to one million households across Manchester, the "inner" ring is now called an "intermediate" ring.

Councillor Roger Jones, chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (PTA), said: "The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and the PTA have received a number of comments on the proposals, including a suggestion from Salford Council leader John Merry.

"This proposal would not add to charges; there would be no third charge, but it would refine the trigger for implementing the second charge.

"We are now looking into the practicability of these proposals and once this research is complete, the results will be communicated to all concerned."

Leaders of Greater Manchester's ten councils will decide at the end of July whether to bid for a £3 billion package to improve public transport and infrastructure. Half of the money would be a government grant, with the other half borrowed and paid back over 30 years by money raised from the congestion charge. If a bid was successful, the charge could start in 2012.

The current plan is to charge drivers up to £5 a day (at today's prices) for travelling through the charging zones at weekday peak hours.

AGMA says it will only proceed if the bid meets four tests: there would be no charge before transport systems are significantly improved; charging would only apply where there are problems with congestion; the measures will support the city region's economic and social plans; and they must be acceptable both to the public and business.

Thirty-five leading figures in Greater Manchester's property and business community have backed the charge.

They admit it may be unpopular, but say the real issue is how the city region is to develop, with quality public transport and a greener agenda.

They state: "The reality is that there is no sensible alternative to the present plan. If we fail to deliver it will mean no more major investment in transport, more and more congestion, smaller and smaller job markets and a serious economic slowdown leading to ultimate decline."

However, a contrary survey has emerged, saying that charging is opposed by four out of five city businesses. The survey of 1,246 firms by Peel Holdings, which owns the Trafford Centre, said half were less likely to invest in the area if the charge was introduced, while 95 per cent believed it was a revenue raising scheme for local government.

The Road Haulage Association, which represents 10,000 operators, has called for HGVs to be exempt from charges on the grounds that they bring economic benefits.

And John Whittaker, boss of the Trafford Centre, suggested that the ten Greater Manchester councils sell their shares in Manchester Airport. He said this would raise £7 billion for public transport, and enable the congestion charge to be scrapped.

But council bosses have dismissed the idea out of hand, saying it could send council tax bills rocketing and harm the region's economy.

Bury's Liberal Democrats voiced their opposition at last week's council meeting. Party leader Tim Pickstone said charges would hit the poor, divide communities, and do nothing to tackle pollution, especially on the M60.

"The charge is an extra tax on someone going to work: it's not a shift in tax, people will pay another £1,300 a year," he said. "It could be another poll tax. It's deeply regressive, because you get charged £5 no matter how much you earn. It will hurt people in low paid jobs who have no flexibility in when they work."

But the Lib Dem call was defeated by the other parties, who wanted another debate once the details were clearer.

Labour leader Wayne Campbell said: "We need to get some of the answers rather than just say no on behalf of the people."

And Tory leader Bob Bibby said: "If it's not for the benefit of people in Bury, then it's not worth it. But there may be something in it, and we should give people the opportunity to see what's on the table and debate it."

Bury, like other GM towns, could also set up its own charging zone under a future phase of plans for congestion charging.