Proposed congestion charging could force some small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) out of business, according to the Bolton News.
The newspaper claims that some SMEs in Bolton have said the decision to introduce the charge in Manchester city centre followed by Bolton, would have tough consequences for business.
Last week eight out of the ten Greater Manchester councils agreed that the scheme should be introduced, however it is feared that this could lead to closures and job losses.
Matt Hardman, campaigns manager at the Forum of Private Business said that many SMEs will have no choice but to face the charge and that this could force price rises.
However, deputy leader of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Sir Richard Leese said that the vast majority of businesses thought rising congestion was a threat to the future of their business.
"If we don't tackle rising congestion, our growth path will be affected: business costs will continue to rise, labour markets will shrink and some 30,000 jobs will be lost to the area," he said.
