FOLLOWING today’s announcement on the outcome of the congestion charge referendum, Faye Adams and Gemma Allison spoke to the people of Rochdale to get their reaction on the big vote.

• Rachel Buckley, aged 32, from Shawclough, voted against the charge and said she was pleased a majority of people had the same opinion. She added: "Thank goodness they voted no.
  "Drivers are paying for car tax, insurance and car parking if they’ve got to pay a congestion charge as well, it’s just too much money.
• Mohammad Abubakar, aged 25, lives in Rochdale, and said he voted in favour of the proposals. He said: "It’s a shame I think the people probably didn’t know enough about the public transport improvements.
  "I think we need it in this country. They have them abroad and people think nothing of it."
• Christopher Heitman, aged 41, from Syke, said he did use his vote and agreed with the outcome. He said he thought people were already paying enough in taxes to the government to fund improvements to the tram system and added: "Everyone I know voted no."
• Daryl Kennedy, aged 45, lives in Eccles but travels to Rochdale daily. He voted 'yes' to the congestion charge and said: "It would be good to have more buses.
  "I'm not surprised most people voted no though, people don't want to pay any more money out."
• Teenager Franchesca Garvey, aged 18, lives in Rochdale but she decided not to vote. However, she thought the peak-time charge would have been a pain. She added: "I have just started driving and it costs enough to park as it is. I don't go into Manchester often but I wouldn't go at all if I had to pay to get in."