A series of concessions were made to plans for a Greater Manchester congestion charge prior to council chiefs voting on proposals.

They included HGVs being spared from the charge for the first year, pending a study of the affect on the freight sector – a move welcomed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

In addition, the daily charge will be cut from £10 to £5, with nobody paying more than once for entering or leaving the charging zone.

Following public consultation, concerns included the impact on small businesses and road hauliers operating out of national distribution centres from within the zone.

The plan has divided the city’s business community, while residents will vote on what could become Britain’s biggest congestion charging zone in December.